I've got one that is stone cold mint, but somewhere along the line a poly-choke was installed on it.
I got it cheap (Like $500)) about 10 years ago because of that and have used it a few times.
I really like it but have thought about getting rid of the choke more than once but I keep telling myself that it is fine the way it is.
Not sure how to value an original example.
Poly Choke. 😖
About 5 years ago, I rescued a Win M12 16 ga from a pawn shop. The gun was solid, but abused. I bought it to scavenge parts for another M12 16 in my safe. It has a Cutts Comp.
One cool afternoon, I sat out on the porch and pulled the parts to make my other gun work. My old gun worked like a champ!
The wife came by, looked at the parts on my little work stool and said, "Why don't you put this one (the new gun) back together. Then you'll have two."
Wise woman! 😉
One hundred for the gun and $180 worth of parts to make both guns work. Still a pretty good bargain.
Gave the Cutts Comp gun (1952 mfg) to my youngest. Additional Cutts tubes were ordered to compliment the IC tube in the gun.
Gave the oldest kid the other (1928 mfg) gun.
Tell ya what I'd do.
First, try to find out if it was a factory installation.
Winchester installed either Cutts or Polychokes on "some" of their guns. Probably ordered.
If it's factory, don't touch it.
If it's THAT much of a distraction, PM me and I'll take it off your hands! 😉
Actually:
1) have a competent gunsmith remove it. I'd suggest Briley in Houston.
2) if you just don't want the knot on the end of the barrel, have Briley thread the barrel for inside choke tubes.
-forgot #3!
3) if the gun is functional, it ain't gonna hurt anything, just leave it on there!
The problem you may have is barrel length "IF" you remove the Polychoke.
P.S. rescued a Rem "Sportsman" 16 gauge from another pawn shop! That's my primary shotgun. Sent it to Briley for tubes! It's awesome now!
