I agree with the advice given. Don't screw with the gun, for a couple of reasons. First, it's not worth the trouble and expense (you'll still end up with a non-original Model 12, but now have a few hundred more in it); and second, you'll have messed up another piece of history that you happen to find unappealing but others will love as-is. My two cents. Happy hunting. TT

"The very acme of duck shooting is a big 10, taking ducks in pass shooting only." - Charles Askins