The Winchester had been in production for two DECADES before the model 31 was released. The 31 was also released into the fury of the most profound economic meltdown ever recorded, a meltdown extended a decade longer than it should have been by the economic policies of FDR.
The 31, which is pretty much a side ejecting model 17, lives on in the sale of every single Mossberg 500, 585, and others, to this day, which are pretty close copies of the 31, with a few minor differences.
The model 12, doesn't.
I don't need another pump, but, I'll trade anyone interested my first year model 12 20 gauge for a similar condition 16 or 20 gauge model 31.
The Remington is a better gun.
The Ithacas are still pretty much hand fitted to this day, by the way. Lots of nicely made and finished parts inside them.
Best,
Ted
