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Forums10
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Most Online1,131 Jan 21st, 2024
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9 |
I recently went through the guns that were my fathers. He passed in 1988, he was an avid hunter, so was hard to go through his guns... even after all this time.
His guns include a JP Sauer, an old Stevens .410, a Winchester Model 12 and an old Springfield Arms 16 guage. They all seem to be quite old... my father never got rid of guns once he obtained them.... just set them aside when he got a new one. Any ideas on restoring these would be greatly appreciated. My husband tells me that the JP Sauer is "frozen up", whatever that means. The others can be used, but my husband says that the Model 12 is very heavy when hunting with it and walking.
I look forward to any information or advice. Thanks.
Patricia
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Patricia: A lot depends on the condition of the guns, and it's impossible to give really good advice without knowing quite a bit more about or seeing pictures of the guns. That said, here are some thoughts. With the possible exception of the Sauer, which might be a bit fancier, the guns you describe could be called classic "working guns," and while not expensive, they have a definite following. If in pretty good shape (wood and metal surfaces may be a bit worn from handling but aren't dented or heavily scratched, rusted, etc.) and original (not shortened, extended with spacers and butt pad, engraved with initials, etc.), they don't need restoration, and it wouldn't be smart from a financial standpoint. Most folks would prefer them to be un-messed with anyway. A trip to a good gunsmith for a cleaning and check-up certainly wouldn't hurt, though. The Sauer could have big problems, or a small one. The Stevens, if a side-by-side, would have many fans. Model 12s are excellent guns, considered the best of all the pumps by many; if your husband thinks it's too heavy, it may be a duck gun and not meant for a lot of carrying. 16-gauges are also popular in doubles, but in single-shots, less so. Hope this helps. TT
"The very acme of duck shooting is a big 10, taking ducks in pass shooting only." - Charles Askins
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,078 Likes: 35
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,078 Likes: 35 |
That Sauer's probably not frozen up, more likely the old oil has gotten hard and gummed up the works. The gun probably just needs to be taken apart and given a good cleaning by a gunsmith.
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income. - Errol Flynn
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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my husband says that the Model 12 is very heavy when hunting with it and walking. If you will, what do the markings say on the left side of the barrel of the Model 12 and does it have a solid rib.
Ole Cowboy
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
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pattd: Make a cup of coffee or tea and take a chair near a window. Relax, take a breath and remember why you found it difficult to go through the guns. I am thinking it was from wonderful memories of your father. These will not ever leave your heart, even if time does move further away from his living years. These old guns may not be valuable in monetary terms, but they are solid testaments to something that he loved. They do not need restoration. They need cleaning, by a competent gunsmith, and a little exercise once in a while. Here's hoping that you and your husband take them out and fire off a few shells in honor of a man that loved to hunt and lived his life to completeness. To hold one to your shoulder and pull the trigger is near to feeling his arms around you in a fatherly hug of great and abiding love. Best regards, John
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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John, what nice words, wow!!!
JC
P.S.: Patty, welcome to The Board. jc
"...it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance."ť Charles Darwin
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Member
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One option you may want to consider is (a) having them cleaned, (2) lubricate well, wrap in saran wrap and put into their gun cases, and (3) store them carefully for eventual gifts to adult grandchildren, great-nephews, etc. when they reach age 25.
JERRY
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
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Thanks everyone for responding so quickly. And thanks for the wisdom and advice. I really appreciate it.
The markings on the left side of the barrel of the Model 12 are:
Winchester--Model 12--12 Guage Full trademark Winchester Proof Steel Made in USA FOR SUPER SPEED &SUPER-X 3IN.
It also has the numbers 1587627 on the underside of the barrel and again less than an inch away on the body of the gun and just behind the trigger guard there are tiny initials that appear to be jp ???
It doesn't appear to have ever had a rib on it ...several of my dad's other guns have vent ribs on them, but not this one.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,418 Likes: 2 |
The model 12 you have is what they call a Heavy Duck Gun...yours was made in 1954...They are a popular item with a lot of model 12 collectors...of course "original" condition plays a big part in what its worth...in good solid 85/95% condition your heavy duck would be worth in the 450-600 range...add a couple hundred more if it has a 32in barrel [most were 30in].....
gunut
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Joined: Aug 2005
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If the condition of the Model 12 is good enough to be considered 95% it would be sought after by any Winchester collector or shooter. While a gun that belonged to your father may never be "for sale",(and indeed it's priceless) you should consider its value for insurance purposes. Most household policies offer next to nothing if stolen or damaged by fire, etc. So no disrespect to "gunut", but IF it's 95% condition, I'd double his quoted price/value for insurance purposes ... something closer to $1,200 as a replacement value. Ask your agent if your home insurance policy has a rider for items like guns.
Last edited by Sharpsrifle; 08/06/08 07:22 PM.
"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it" - Capt. Woodrow Call
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