One has to be extremely careful in buying/trading model 12's. Since most all of the records of many Winchester guns was destroyed, there is not easy to verify.
I have a couple model 12 20 gauges that have solid ribs with the correct proof marks in the correct place that are not original as the barrels were originally plain.
Not too many blocks from where I live is a fellow that buys model 70's and upgrades them with original 70 barrels. He has done this for years, never divulging that the gun is not original.
Anytime you are buying winchesters, beware.
