Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Winchester Model 12's -why so inexpensive

Looking at shotguns the other day and Winchester Model 12's are going for less than $400, half the price of a beat up Remington 1100. What's going on? These were run of the mill field grade, but in decent shape. I remember back in the late 70's early 80's they were worth more than that.
Just curious.

Boatload of them out there, long barrels, heavy, tightly choked, not many VR's. Lots of reasons why

So many oldsters died off and their kids put them up for sale in gun stores and pawn shops. Flooded the market.

Ya see that stuff too. DK about the 1100 stuff though. I think the people that appreciate the old iron are dead,tapped out, or simply have all they want of them. I have an earlier featherweight 12 ga. but rarely shoot it. One of the newer autos or O/U usually get the nod.

Steel shot requirements aren't helping

Not a shotgun man, myself, but I would have never thought they would be anywhere near that cheap.

I suppose today's tacticool youngsters just don't want any of those old Fudd guns.

This.

The youngsters don't appreciate quality iron, especially when they can buy some Turkish-made shotgun for the same or less money, that weighs less and is more "tacticool". Tastes change over the years.

There’s been a bunch of Model 12’s at the gun library at Cabelas here recently. They’re generally priced from $350-650 depending on the wind direction and there’s no rhyme or reason for the way they value them. Most have been used hard and put away wet with ventilated recoil pads that don’t fit and are as hard as steel. Most don’t have VR’s and are ribless or they have a solid rib. The last one I looked at was a takedown with a full choke and they wanted $600 but based on the variables it was about $300 overpriced.

The Model 12 is a great shotgun but there’s a hell of a lot of great shotguns today. If I’m going to tote a shotgun all day long I’ll choose my Browning Gold Hunter which weighs about half as much as a model 12 and fits me like a glove.

Cutts/adjustable chokes adding grace and beauty to the profile.

I picked up this 1947 model about eight years ago for under $400.She's a beauty,in great shape too.



Also picked up an older 1929 model for under $400 too.That one has a little more wear,but still a great shotgun.I would rather have one of those old model 12 Winchester than any new pump shotgun made today.Those old relics were built to last.

Just the other day I was in my LGS. They have a beautiful Pigeon Grade asking 3500. My wife wants to get a look at it. We are going tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thankfully a friend I shot with had his wife introduce my wife to the wonderful world of Trap Shooting. I'm pretty sure the gun belonged to my friend. He has passed away. He was the Illinois state champion in 1982. I'm going to have my brother check the serial#. He is married to my friends daughter. He has all of the information on the guns sold out of the estate. If it is I know she will want it. Again keeping my fingers crossed.

Could you get one in 16 gauge?

I like the Model 12's, but would rather have an Ithaca 37 in 20 gauge. I can't shoot shotguns anymore any way with this replaced shoulder.

Sure could.

Yes…..but why?

Nothing wrong with a Model 12 60 years ago, nothing wrong with them today.

My first shotgun was a Model 12 in 20 gauge. I shot it a bunch, and literally wore it out to the point that it had to go to a gunsmith to be rebuilt. While I wish I still had for old times sake, today's shotguns are better choices for my use. I would buy one in 20 gauge if I find one I like.

saw one on gunbroker

Cause it's the coolest.