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So I've been around here off and on for many years and I know "It's a double gun site" but I also know some pretty knowledgeable people hang out here and in general there is an appreciation for old and odd.

So that being said...I have found myself with a recent fascination for the Model 12 Featherweight after two discoveries. First, they really do weigh 6 1/2lbs in 12ga (only gauge made) and 2nd, they were all made in one year (March of 58 through March of 59. Then sold till 63 some time. I have two examples that I really like and just wonder if any of the members here have owned one and what their thoughts were.

The one with a 26" barrel is 6lbs 8oz and the one with a 30" barrel is a whopping 6lbs 11oz, amazing compared to a regular model 12.


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Tim, I had one years ago. 26" IC. At the time, the value of it was less than the pre-64's and it wasn't in demand like the regular M12. The barrel take down was simpler. Gil

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I have a Remington model 31 "Lightweight" with Duraluminum action. I don't think I've run into a Winchester. Does it have a light metal receiver or steel? My model 37 featherweights have been all steel...Geo

Last edited by Geo. Newbern; 07/06/18 04:49 PM.
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Wasnt the featherweight 12 basically the same as the model 25?

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The Model 25 was a solid frame version of the Model 12, while the Model 12 Featherweight was a take-down.

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Yes the break down is very simple,unscrew the end knob which stays attached to the barrel, a quarter twist and it's off. I think they would have really taken off if introduced earlier as they are lighter and more dynamic in my humble opinion.

Last edited by Tim Frazier; 07/06/18 09:29 PM.

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Sounds interesting! Fairly rare? Pricy?

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Originally Posted By: Geo. Newbern
I have a Remington model 31 "Lightweight" with Duraluminum action. I don't think I've run into a Winchester. Does it have a light metal receiver or steel? My model 37 featherweights have been all steel...Geo


Geo,
Featherweight is the name applied to all models of the model 37, up until the company produced the Ultrafeatherweight. The Ultras have an aluminum receiver. Featherweights are steel. There were a few runs of Ultras in the 1970s, mostly 20s, it seems. There was at least one run of Ultras produced at King's Ferry, ditto Upper Sandusky. There is, or, was a 16 gauge Ultra just for sale over on 16 gauge.com, at the not unsurprising price of $750. I owned a King's Ferry 16 gauge Ultra, and mine was a nice gun. I have heard complaints of them being butt heavy, but, mine wasn't. It was, however, scarcely lighter than my mid 1950s Featherweight 16, likely due to choke tubes, knock out wood, and a vented rib the Feather lacked. The Ultra has the same barrel attachment as a steel frame gun, meaning you have steel on aluminum threads, and it would fall into the catagory of guns you carry a lot, and shoot a little. I have moved both guns on. Ultras are not common.
The rare bird out of the 37s seems to be the 3" 12. Also called a Featherweight, it most assuredly is not, my example tips the scales at very near 8 pounds, wearing a 30" ventilated rib choke tube barrel.
I've seen three of them. All were King's Ferry guns. Two had the receiver tapped for scope mounts. This gun is mine, it is a King's Ferry gun wearing Upper Sandusky wood. I sent the gun in when they were offering custom dimension stocking for Ithaca 37s of any vintage, which, they may still do:




3" marking:



Best,
Ted

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Always more to learn...Geo

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I believe all the 12 and 20 gauge guns from Upper Sandusky are 3" guns, now. But, the term "Featherweight" doesn't really mean what it once did. The barrels are heavier, and choke tubes are standard. They can run steel shot, no problem.
Not all progress is good.
I suppose a 20, with the shorter barrel, wouldn't be unreasonable heavy, but, the earlier version, or, it's cousin, the Ultra, would be a lighter gun.

Best,
Ted

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