Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Model 12 Value

So did Ithaca on their 37R for the same reason. I have a first year 20 ga.

DF

WW never immersion blued SR M-12 and 42 barrels. Even so, over decades the solder will start to loosen visibly in places. Rarely they will separate, but I've never seen an original condition SR come detached. Lucky, I guess.

Reblued guns are, of course, another matter. Even then, the M-12s seem to retain their ribs alot better than immersion blued M-21s. This is an easy enough pitfall to avoid, whether as a potential buyer or as an owner looking to restore.

One reason M-12 SRs tend to withstand abuse better than M-21 ribs is the method used to lay the rib. Barrels were set up in a fixture, then two grooves were cut into the barrel from the muzzle to where the threads start for the chamber ring, (chamber end). The ribs had a small radius on the bottom along with a rail on each side that fit into the aforementioned grooves. Next matting, then straightening, then brazing, then cold blue.

When SR guns were after-market converted to VRs, the solid ribs were removed of course. You will see the grooves, unless metal prep removes them.

the goal of my post was to alert the OP to check the rib if he chose to buy it, regardless of cause.

Speaking of old M12's, I have a 1914 12 ga. Model 12. Not sure if it is 2 1/2" or 2 3/4". I'm not sure how to check. I won't be firing the old girl anyway. I recently bought a 1954 Model 12 for $150. My gunner buddy cleaned it up. That's the one I'd fire, if I got the urge.

I’ve got a genuine 1937 M12 in 28 gauge that is in 95+%. It’s super sweet. I can’t find another to compare it to so I don’t know it’s value, But I had a guy at the range beg me to sell it to him. He said he had every M12 model made but had never seen a unaltered field grade 28 gauge.

Alaskajim, I sent you a PM.

I saw a Model 12 in 20 gauge for $299 yesterday, shooter grade of course, seller said they have had it for awhile.

Me, too. Re-blued. Same price

I have 20 gauge that is really very nice, and has spent far more time in the safe than in the field. I would like to find it a home, as I don't believe in keeping guns that I no longer use and that someone else could enjoy. It was manufactured in 48 with great blueing and small small scratches on the butt, I believe from breaking ice. I will not however give it away.