rchall
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Anyone have any idea on values on a prewar Model 12 in 20 gauge with a 30 inch barrel?? Around 90-95% original factory condition. Thanks!
Winchester Model 12
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Model 12 prices are soft now. Us old guys(I have a 12 and a 20) that appreciated what good guns they were are thinning out. New guys want plastic fantastics. I would wager a guess your gun would bring somewhere between $375 to $575 in today's market depending on condition.
Charlie Foxtrott
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I bought one very similar to the gun that you describe last month.
A Model twelve 20 gauge plain jane model in very good shape. Now the barrel is not marked for 2-3/4" shells. So this indicates the shorter chamber which would be normal for a 1920 made gun. However it chambers and shoots 2-3/4" shells just fine. And holds five in the magazine. No indications of an issue.
I paid 500$ for it.
A Model twelve 20 gauge plain jane model in very good shape. Now the barrel is not marked for 2-3/4" shells. So this indicates the shorter chamber which would be normal for a 1920 made gun. However it chambers and shoots 2-3/4" shells just fine. And holds five in the magazine. No indications of an issue.
I paid 500$ for it.
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DWalt
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They are just not that desirable in today’s market. I would say the value range estimate given above is optimistic. You might look on GunBroker.
I have a first-year 20 gauge Model 1912 with the shorter chamber. Winchester and Remington 2-3/4” shells work OK. But not Federal shells. The fired cases are a bit too long to clear the ejection port. And they are difficult to pry out.
I have a first-year 20 gauge Model 1912 with the shorter chamber. Winchester and Remington 2-3/4” shells work OK. But not Federal shells. The fired cases are a bit too long to clear the ejection port. And they are difficult to pry out.
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I haven't seen a nice 20 gauge model 12 go for $350 in a looooong time. You guys are thinking about 12 gauges several years ago.
A 90-95% field grade gun with no rib in 20 gauge will bring approximately $750 to $950 depending on condition. Make it 95% with a rib and your easily over $1,000.
The gauge and condition make all the difference.
Look at completed auctions on GB. Auction houses are the same. A high condition 20 gauge will still draw the bids.
A 90-95% field grade gun with no rib in 20 gauge will bring approximately $750 to $950 depending on condition. Make it 95% with a rib and your easily over $1,000.
The gauge and condition make all the difference.
Look at completed auctions on GB. Auction houses are the same. A high condition 20 gauge will still draw the bids.
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I won't even guess a value without seeing the gun, but there are a ton of variables, gauge and condition as sjbrdn pointed out, but barrel length, and what choke will effect the value as well. And all that can vary by geographic area as well. In my area full chokes bring a premium, but in many areas, full chokes bring less money than open choked guns.
I also agree with the others that Model 12 values seem soft now. I have a few nice Model 12's in my collection, but actually prefer other pump designs for use. The Model 12 was a bit over complicated and can require a lot of handfitting when replacing parts.
I also agree with the others that Model 12 values seem soft now. I have a few nice Model 12's in my collection, but actually prefer other pump designs for use. The Model 12 was a bit over complicated and can require a lot of handfitting when replacing parts.
Charlie Foxtrott
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I decided that I wanted another twenty gauge a while ago.
For a couple of reasons. And I started looking around and all of the new stuff out there on the market is either junk or really priced high. So when the twenty gauge model 12 that I pictured in my previous post showed up at the store I had that thing out of there pretty quick at five bills and do not regret it one bit.
For a couple of reasons. And I started looking around and all of the new stuff out there on the market is either junk or really priced high. So when the twenty gauge model 12 that I pictured in my previous post showed up at the store I had that thing out of there pretty quick at five bills and do not regret it one bit.
Baltimoreed11754
Member
I sold a pair of field grade M12 earlier this year. 85% guns. Sold for $550@ to same guy. A 20gauge in same shape and field model would go for at least $100 more. M12s with ribs also go $100 above field guns in same shape. 12s & 16s not flying off shelves, 20s don’t last long.
Win 1897s in decent shape are bringing a good buck.
Win 1897s in decent shape are bringing a good buck.
I admire the model 12 and study the model. I have owned and shoot this model almost exclusively. My trap gun is a factory trap gun made in 1953. When the study of gun construction and design is taken into account, the model 12 stands alone with no other even showing up. Not saying other pump guns don't work, they are just not even close to the model 12. The price mentioned above are quite accurate. Pre wars are my favorite.
Charlie Foxtrott
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This is interesting as my 1920made 20 gauge, with the short chamber.
It will chamber and eject all three brands just fine. It would not surprise me if there were small differences in overall length from lot to lot with any of the makers.
It will chamber and eject all three brands just fine. It would not surprise me if there were small differences in overall length from lot to lot with any of the makers.
Most Model 12 shotguns made after 1927 were chambered for 2 ¾-inch shells only. There was the “Heavy Duck Gun” (1935) that accepted 3-inch Super Speed and Super X shells and were marked for them. Early 20 gauge models had 2 ½-inch chambers, and the 16 gauge models were chambered for an oddball 2 9/16-inch shell. Some of these older guns have had their chambers lengthened by reaming for the modern 2 ¾-inch shells and some have not.
Caution! It’s recommended that the older guns should be inspected by a gunsmith before chambering and firing 2 ¾-inch shells – unfired shells may chamber, but when expanded and lengthened in firing, may cause dangerous pressures. Be sure of those chamber lengths!
John
Caution! It’s recommended that the older guns should be inspected by a gunsmith before chambering and firing 2 ¾-inch shells – unfired shells may chamber, but when expanded and lengthened in firing, may cause dangerous pressures. Be sure of those chamber lengths!
John
stanmerrell
Member
I've always wanted a model 12, but never really found the right one. Early Winchester shotguns though are in a class by themselves. They point so nicely, so naturally.
