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Foolishly I let my dads plain jane model 12 30 inch 12 gauge to my nephew when we broke up my dads guns. I think he traded it off because my brother never claims to know where it went...
I did the same with my uncles model 25 in a similar configuration.

Now I want one just to occasionally shoot and to remember by....


Well I have a lead on an estate sale that has several 12's and a 25.

Didnt the model 25 make improvements over the 12?

Which would you get and why?


Other than that, How was the show Mrs. Lincoln?
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I've owned several M12s, all 16 ga, have one left at this time. Excellent hunting guns in 16. As far as I know the M25 was not a takedown, I've only seen them in12 ga and not worth near as much as a M12. Others will chime in with more facts, but I believe a M12 is where its at.

Last edited by Kurt52; 05/04/21.
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I'd go for a Model 12 myself (or a nice Remington Model).

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Originally Posted by TraderVic
I'd go for a Model 12 myself (or a nice Remington Model).

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Thanks gents


Other than that, How was the show Mrs. Lincoln?
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Model 25 was Winchester’s attempt at a budget Model 12

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Winchester's Model 25 was a non-takedown version of their popular Model 12 shotgun that was offered from 1949 to 1954. About 88,000 Model 25s were manufactured in this period. Get the Model 12.

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Many people with Model 25’s wished they had a Model 12 but I doubt there was anybody with a Model 12 that wished they had a 25!


Deadlines and commitments, what to leave in, what to leave out...
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To say I am a model 12 fan is a huge understatement. I have several books and many articles about the amazing model 12. They are just stunning. I can understand weakness whether perceived or real. I have always perceived the takedown of the model 12 as a weakness though I have never seen one fail. I just don't feel comfortable with any takedown guns. Just about all takedown rifles have wiggles. I would much prefer a solid frame shotgun to a takedown. Also the magazine tube to barrel attachment I felt was iffy and have seen many that are loose and cant be tightened any more. Having never owned a model 25 it addresses these issue of mine. I would like to purchase a model 25 to take apart and study but they don't show up often in my neck of the woods. For me anyhow I feel the 25 could be the equal of the 12 since they have identical parts made on the same assembly line. The drawback for me anyhow was the lack of any options. Twelve gauge only, no rib, plan wood just a black and white generic gun. If you think I am bashing the great model 12 you will have to visit someday and see my safe full of them.

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Back when we hunted with smooth bores and slugs, the solid frame 25 was among the most accurate slug guns and well worth scoping.

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The Model 25 is in the dustbin of history, while the Model 12 keeps its stature. Model 12s are about the best value for dollar in today’s market, especially nice in 16 gauge.

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Model 12s are cheap these days. A 16 is as heavy as a 12. 20s are nice but still a lot more to cart than an Ithaca Featherlite.

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I would go Model 12. The Model 25s I've handled have slightly heavier barrels and weigh a little more. Plus I believe all 25s had the dogleg operating rod, which had a reputation of breaking. Some of the M12s had this operating rod but most did not.

Originally Posted by NYNY
Model 12s are cheap these days. A 16 is as heavy as a 12. 20s are nice but still a lot more to cart than an Ithaca Featherlite.


Incorrect. The 16 gauge Model 12 is the same weight as a 20 gauge Model 12. A 16 gauge flat forend gun with 28" plain barrel will run about 6 5/8 pounds where as a 12 gauge will go somewhere around 7 5/8 pounds. Haven't yet picked up an Ithaca so don't know how those compare.

Last edited by DesertMuleDeer; 05/09/21.
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My 16ga Featherlight 37 is 6#, and my 20ga Remington 17 is 5 3/4#.

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Originally Posted by NYNY
Model 12s are cheap these days. A 16 is as heavy as a 12. 20s are nice but still a lot more to cart than an Ithaca Featherlite.


Way off base. The 12 gauge Model 12 is much heavier than its 16 gauge sister, as there are only two frames for Model 12s (excluding 3” magnum 12s). The 16s were built on the 20 gauge frames which preceded the other gauges. My 1958 vintage 16 gauge field gun, with 28” modified barrel, weighs 6 1/2# on the nose. A similar 12 weighs about 3/4# more.

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Ok, Ithaca is still FAR lighter, ejects out bottom and will run forever.

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Glad to see Desert Mule Deer and GF1 set the record straight on 16 ga M12's vs NYNY's incorrect comments.

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I wonder if he trashes the 37 on the Ithaca Collectors page. Oh wait...there isn’t one.


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Originally Posted by NYNY
Ok, Ithaca is still FAR lighter, ejects out bottom and will run forever.


Well, yea it does. And Remington wised up after the Model 17, made the 31 and then 870 side ejects. I’d pay extra not to have bottom eject. As to lighter, you are right there too. Except I am among the no doubt challenged crowd whose shooting goes to hell as gun weight approaches six pounds. The 16 gauge Model 12 is nigh into perfect in that and most other regards.

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"The 16 gauge Model 12 is nigh into perfect in that and most other regards".


Obviously GF1 has a 16 ga M12 and understands how fine a hunting shotgun they are for himself and a lot of the rest of us!

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