I am not sure on the value of the cloned M12 in 28 gauge, as compared to the original "Real Deal" M12-- But anyone who has gone to the trouble to "clone" a 16 or 20 gauge M12 into a 28 gauge, for the potential profit motive therein, will, most likely have a fair amount of parts and labor invested in that counterfeit- You don't interchange barrels, even with the same gauge, with a Model 12, as you might with the Remington M870-- The interrupted threads, the various depth for chamber rings, the positioning of a 28 gauge bolt with the firing pin interceptor into a used receiver from a 20 or a 16, all these plus the afore-mentioned details that make the 28 gauge a bit different from the 20-or, the 16 as well-
Model 12 production and serial number runs are not as inconsistent as, let us say, those for the LC Smith guns- but just as with the great Winchester pre-1964 Model 70- against, supposedly first year, as with the M12 28 gauge we are discussing- both being "by the book" as 1937- but I have a friend with a Model 70 SG that dates to late 1936, and as with the running changes, is barreled with a M54 barrel- 30-Govt.- 06) the first style stamping for that std. military caliber in the M70's long history--
I would say this, as it is your $, and not mine of course- Memorize all the details and data given here for you, both by myself, also others here as well- and when you confront a possible seller of a "counterfeited" 28 gauge M12 that fits you as to balance and stock dims, and other important details to your shooting style, ask the seller to remove the buttstock, dis-assemble the magazine and band from the barrel, look closely at the receiver, ask him to remove the trigger housing group, look at the carrier and shell stop, in innards of the receiver with the bolt reward- and then, make him an offer below his asking price. In this manner he will know he is NOT dealing with a "rookie" buyer who is caught up in the Karma of both the small gauge shotguns, but the cachet of the older Model 12's- then, as a final note, after the gun has been re-assembled (by him)--tell him you want to test fire it, both with 2& 3/4" and the older 2& 7/8" shells- run at least 10 to 12 rounds rapid fire through it, with both lengths, and inter-mixed. If it cycles and fires perfectly, no ejection problems, and you like it- then buy it- and keep it- You'll not find many Perfect Repeaters in 28 gauge, whether "to the manor born originals" or the "red-headed stepchild" variety-
Last edited by Run With The Fox; 02/09/15 07:33 PM.
