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laugh Morning All,

I have an Ohio Ithaca 37 and love it! I was wondering if the Ithaca 37 can still be in production on modern CNC machining why can’t the Model 12 be built in the same manner? I wish a new 16 gauge model 12 could be purchased... we can all dream right?! I wonder if the general population would take to the Model 12 again.


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Not many bought the ones Browning reissued years ago, probably even less would today.

The time is ripe for picking up nice old steel shotguns at discount prices. A5s, M12s, 37s, they all seem to be getting cheaper and harder to move.

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The Model 12 12 Gauge is heavy. Heavy is out with this generation. It is a pump. Semi Autos are the current favorite. The Browning copies didn’t do all that well and were good shotguns.

The 16 ga is the best of the bunch for the uplands, light and quick, but still a pump. The16 as good as it is, only hangs on with those who appreciate what it could be.

Combine it with the fact there are millions of originals out there to be had and I doubt you will see it happen.


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I have a Winchester model 12, 16 gauge from 1953 and an Ithaca 1938 model 37 Skeet 16 gauge. Both well made guns and both 26 inch barrels but I much prefer the Ithaca. It balances like an English double and I shoot it as well as any of my O/U's. That doesn't take anything away from the model 12. It's a great gun and I'd love to find one of the heavy ducks with a 32 inch solid rib. But as an upland gun I prefer my Ithaca 16 or my Browning Lightning Citori 16.


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Likewise as others have said, I would pick a 16ga M37 over that of a 16ga M12. I would have scant interest in a new production M12 since it is not too difficult to find to a used M37 in 16ga if anything were to happen to the one I already have.

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the cost to tool up and the loss of skilled machinists would kill the plan before the first gun left the factory.
remember singer sewing machines?
some were made in 1922 and still being used in homes throughout the world. why?
they were made to last forever.
and because of that, singer went out of business as the market for a new one shrunk.
there are over 2 million m12's out there. many are still operating. those that like them have them and have their fill. and as it was mentioned, people today don't want a good sewing machine, theyd rather have a throw away ordered off amazon.
people don't make things to last anymore. so it is with m12's.
I got mine. im happy. I cant kill it.


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Well, you can buy a brand new 16 gauge Ithaca 37 if you want to.

FWIW, on the Ithaca website, they don't show or indicate a 16 gauge offering, however, if you download their Model 37 Specifications, those charts do indicate 16 gauge being offered.

Also, Winchester quit making the Model 12 "back when" because of the high cost to do so, and stsy competitive.
The majority of Americans want CHEAP, sportsmen are no exception. Maybe Browning/Miroku would offer some limited runs once in awhile (??).

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All good points on why we won't see new production.

When you bring up the 37 versus the 12, we can share opinions, but don't have to agree.

When I get too old and crippled to carry my M12 Featherweight 12 ga with 26" barrel, I can always try a 37. Good option.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


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Roundoak, that Model 12 you have is a beaut !

I have a Model 12, 20 gauge that looks just like your Model 12. It was my father's, and before him, my grandfather's. Made in 1916, originally choked full, I had it opened up a bit.

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TraderVic,

My Featherweight has a 26" barrel and choked improved cylinder. Are you sure your 20 gauge is a Featherweight? I have posted a pic of a my Field Grade 12 gauge that shows the take down difference on the magazine. The Featherweight has a knurled knob on the top of the tube instead of the "pin".

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Last edited by roundoak; 12/28/19.

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Mine is not a featherweight, but a standard field grade 20 gauge. 25" factory barrel. The kind of shotgun one can easily carry all day.

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Glad to see the activity on this post. It may come as surprise to most that I’m twenty three and have a deep appreciation for these older shotguns. I picked up a Heavy Duck model 12 today in good condition for under four hundred dollars. Original finish, 30” barrel, full choke, with the original red Winchester pad on it. Gonna crack some clays with it tomorrow!

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Winchester tried the cheap route but insulted its followers by doing so.
when all their hand made guns switched to cnc assy line tin can guns in 1965.....people bailed out of the Winchester club when the first model 1200 and 1400 hit the market.
so, if weight is an issue with a model 12....just get a model 1200. and its going to be inexpensive too.


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The model 12 worked well enough back in '62.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The 37 was still working in '94.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The 12 is long gone, the 37 will never be for sale.


I am..........disturbed.

Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass. -Twain


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Dan you was a stone killer even in yer church shirt back in 62. What kind of assault vehicle is that behind you?

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Originally Posted by TheKid
Dan you was a stone killer even in yer church shirt back in 62. What kind of assault vehicle is that behind you?


Looks like an old Valiant (Plymouth?)

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Is one of those Ford Fairlane things, vintage 1960.

Purchased in OK and then it went to Guam in '63. Then to Florida and became my first set of wheels around '66-'67.


I am..........disturbed.

Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass. -Twain


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Cool old pic Dan. Where abouts in OK if you don’t mind saying? I’m a 4th generation Okie, lots of bird shooting back in the day down here, sadly the party is about over for anything but dove and sky carp in my neck of the woods.

Of course we’ve traded our quail for those black hairy creatures you wingshot in your second pic. I generally rifle them but have been known to shotgun one when birding.

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Midwest City. We hunted dove NW of OK City and along the Canadian River. Squill, bunnies and quail to the NE. Broken Bow for deer. Lake Tenkiller was our fishing hole.


I am..........disturbed.

Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass. -Twain


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Hard to beat a Model 37 in 16 or 20 ga.


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