doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT Model 12 question

Post deleted by Run With The Fox

They are not pretty, but they sure do work.
There was a time that I wouldn't give a Model 12, or any other gun, with a choke device on the barrel a second look. But time has passed and these devices have basically become a part of history of these old guns. That makes them worth a look that this point in time. Especially at their reduced prices. Those guns that had them fitted at the factory have become very collectable and are very shootable.
If you ever try one, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Absolutely right- I measured 4 of mine after re-reading your post- both 30" M12 12's are 29 and 3/4" long from muzzle to threads- add the 1/4" for the headspacing ring and -viola- 30" Dead Nutz-- I also measured the 2 20 gauges with 28 inch barrels-same thing- 27 and 3/4" from muzzle to threads-add the 1/4"- 28" Bingo--all these 4 have std. 2 & 3/4" chambers-my newest "add-on" is a 1950 M12 3" heavy duck model- 30" solid rib barrel- it measures 29 and 11/16" and I checked the ring with a machinist's step scale- it is 5/16" right on the dime- again- 30"!! RWTF

Give this a try, at least for the Model 12.

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/index.php?c=8

RWTF:

Ok, the Weaver choke system is ugly. But it works. Find a well-worn Model 12 with one, get the aftermarket choke discount and end up with a very usable bird gun (mine came as a 16) for not a lot of money. What more could a pumpgunner ask from a using shotgun?

Thanks Don- I went there, looked like mainly a "for sale" site for pumpguns-not an open forum like here. Sure appreciate Dave allowing us "Pumpgunners" to get deep Off Topic on his DoubleGunShop BBS- even fine rifles, and engraving, history of wingshooting and live pigeon rings by other fine contributors. Also, a small point, but the first year or two of M12 production-the top of the receiver was matted, but then Winchester went to the "sight groove" design with recessed matting that was a hallmark of the field grade M12's- We never stop the learning process, so any thoughts as to why in aprox 1919-1920 Winchester made a "running change" and went from Model 1912 to Model 12- how much did they save in labor-all these and other Winchesters were "roll stamped" with tool steel dies-Huum??? RWTF!!

Did you check Winchester for Winchester lovers only. Lots of knowledge there, but you must LOVE WINCHESTER to visit.

Just so you know Rem 40X that I take to heart what I read here- I went on a "recee-run" today, mainly looking for gunning books (found a few Jimmy Carmichael/Outdoor Life ones-)and two guns shops with a boatload of Model 12's- I like for field use the older (pre-1935) style "perch belly" M12 stock, as it has a smaller pg than the later series- Found a real nice M12 mfg. in 1924-with a original solid rib, stock uncut, nickle steel barrel, original choke was full-had a Deluxe Poly Choke well installed to give a OAL barrel length of 27"-and the choke collect turned smoothly-the solid rib gives a "better sight plane" to my eyes and overcomes the "pickle bulge"- long story short- dealer was asking $299.00 plus tax- after I test fired it with AA shells, I offered him $260.00 OTD-and he accepted- now it is on my gunner's workbench- completely stripped- I have the special forearm wrench- will refinish the stock and add a pad (I like a 14 and 5/8" lop on field guns- all the internals were clean as a whistle-previous owner took good care of it- Now the bulkier Cutts, that's another story. Most likely will use this for float duck hunting on the area rivers- with Hevi-Shot or Steel-so thanks for the suggestion, it looks like your advice helped me overcome my dislike to muzzle "gadgets" in favor of my greater love for older Model 12's-- RWTF!!

RWTF:

Congratulations on your new Model 12. Excellent choice and great deal.

Rem