Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Model 12 Value?

A friend asked me to put a value on a gun he inherited from his late father. It is a 1951 made Model 12 20 gauge. Plain barrel, IC, and the gun is in very good condition. I think it may have been refinished, as the wood and bluing looks as new. If it was, whoever did it did a very good job. I am guessing somewhere in the $750 range as the high end.

Thanks

Boy I'd love to have Model 12 20 ga with that IC choke. as you know most old shotguns are full choke.

Pic's?

My first shotgun was a Model 12 20 gauge with a 25 inch full choke barrel, made in 1922. I used it for all my shotgun hunting, squirrel, rabbits, quail, varmints, and even deer, although it wasn't very accurate with slugs. It was pretty worn when I got out in 1962, and I finished wearing it out ten years later. Traded it for a new 1100 Remington with a IC barrel. Found myself wishing I still had the Model 12.

Sorry, don't have any, but the gun is in very good condition, and there is no play whatsoever in the action. I really don't believe it was used much.

The 20ga M12 is a sweet thing. I don't own pumps any more, or I'd be asking for pics!

that might be a little low if the gun has not been redone... if as you fear it might have been redone, it will be lower

A buddy had a 5 digit serial m12 20 25" solid rib full choke it wore out early too. Probably because he shot 2 3/4" shells in it, hard kicker to boot. Hmmm sure it being an early one with a 2.5" chamber that had anything to do with it.

Agreed. Nice original 20s have really increased as of late

Uncle Jack had one that I got when he died. A full choke 20 gauge with a long barrel didn’t work for the barn pigeon and grouse hunting that I did. A local gunsmith said that he could cut back the barrel and put in a recessed choke, add a Simons vent rib, oversize safety and reblue it. All good except the recessed choke didn’t seem to choke anything. That was regrettably before screw in chokes, so since it was the Polychoke era, I added a ventilated one of those. The thing points like my index finger and is a practical upland grouse gun, but alas, I was too quick to have it redone and royally screwed up its collector value.

I've got a 1935 20 ga Model 12 with a nickel steel, solid rib, 26" modified choke barrel that mikes out at .009" of constriction. Not sure if the choke was opened up or came from the factory that open, but really like it...great all around constriction for skeet, grouse hunting and casual sporting clays. Mine was re-blued before I got it, and I put a "modern" stock off a 1958 16 ga as the LOP, pitch and drop fits me better, plus the grip is a much better fit for my hand. I wouldn't sell it for $750, but I really like and appreciate Model 12's and 42's.

Quite possibly original. WW's pre-64 mod will usually have less constriction vs Briley's 0.015" spec. Helps to know bore diameter as well as terminal constriction diameter - not just net constriction - and whether there's a long parallel extending to muzzle.

Sam, I'll check my data on the modified choke (or remeasure it with my internal bore gage system). Don't recall if there was a long parallel section or not...which I assume would be indicative of an opened up choke.

Sam, Just spent a few minutes measuring the 88 year-old Model 12 20 ga that is stamped Modified. The choke constricts down to 0.607" about .8" from the muzzle and is parallel out to the muzzle. The OD of barrel at the choke parallel section is .704". The barrel ID 3.5" in from the muzzle is .615" and .617" 3.5" in from the chamber end (with the barrel off the action). Averaging the barrel ID in 3.5" from each end gives me .616" ID and .009" of choke constriction. For my uses for a 20 ga it is perfection for all around use with 7/8 oz loads. Kurt

Kurt, IDs are within range for a WW 20 and mod. Net constriction range is .007"-.012". A short parallel to muzzle is OK, taken in context.

Ten thou (or 9) is a sweet spot for field use, IMO. I have one that has 8 thou, and not much can't be done with it to 35 yds or thereabouts.

I have what sounds to be the exact same model 12, mine being made though in 1958. All original, 95% blue and wood. To answer your question, I've seen like guns go for $1000 and even a little higher. By the way, I shoot plain barrels better than vent rib, so for me as a hunting gun, the plain barrel would not lower the value. I'm sure others would beg to differ. This is the most natural pointing gun that I have, along with a Remington Sportsman 58 16 ga. Nothing of current production comes close, for me.

If you can get $750….take it and run. Great shotguns but they wait for a buyer while some willingly hand over $1500+ for a Beretta or Benellli SA.

Pump shotguns are far from the first choice of most current buyers.

I bought a nice 20 from a friend last Spring. Metal is nearly perfect, and he had expertly refinished the wood. It’s a 28” MOD and I paid $800. Nice gun, and my first M12 after some 870s and 37s. Still like 37s a bit better. This one will likely become part of my estate, as I shoot other stuff for the most part.

FWIW....If one is inclined, I don't think there is another shotgun that will take careless abuse and still keep working as will the Model 12....And that includes what many consider "best" that go for 100K and plus.