Hello, I was visiting a nearby shop today and noticed a sweet little model 12 in 28ga with a straight stock on consignment. I’m not very knowledgeable on the Model 12, but I’m thinking it is a rare gun. It was in good to very good condition. Does anybody know much about these? Thanks

Were you able to inspect the gun and see if it was original or one of the repro’s? Browning did a run of them a while back but I don’t recall if any were straight stock versions. They were very nicely made Miroku guns.

It was definitely an older gun. 50+ years I’m thinking. I may go back tomorrow and snap some photos

The 28 gauge Model 12 is widely faked. The prices have gotten to the point that it's worth the time to fake them. One just sold at a local auction. The auction stated "barrel marks are questionable". It was an obvious fake, but still brought over $3,600 including the buyer's premium. Personally I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole only because I don't have the knowledge to keep from getting burnt. One of the Browning guns like AKwolverine mentioned would be o.k. though.

I did notice it had a solid rib.

Like Timbo said they are often faked for monetary gain......if the price was right would not bother me so much as I’m a hunter not a collector......sounds interesting to me? I love a good .28!

PennDog

I’ve done some digging tonight and I think it it a Trap model or Black Diamond. It is $2000 or I would have bought it then figured it out. I’m thinking he will take less though

If it is a legit 28 ga Model 12 all original with a solid rib Black Diamond Trap, At $2,000.00 It wouldn't last 2 minutes on any gun rack for 2 minutes around here!
If Legit, WOW!
If its a fake and nicely done, $2000.00 is a great price!

I can tell you where it is if you're interested. Thanks

Sure!
Please PM me.
Thank you,
Ed

pm sent

I’ve been a Model 12 collector for a long time and I’ve never seen or heard of a Black Diamond 28 gauge. Truthfully, I’ve never heard of a Black Diamond 20 gauge either. A few were made in 16 gauge, as there were some trap shooters shooting the 16 gauge at one time. That wood would fit the 28 but it wouldn't be original. I’d be very skeptical. If it were legit, it would be worth a lot more than the asking price. Never say never with Winchester but fakes abound.

I'm not sure what it is. It could be a pieced together Model 12. Its definitely a 28ga, IC, with a solid rib and straight stock. That's all I can confirm

I probably should have said it "favors" a Black Diamond.

There are many things to look for to verify a 28 ga M-12 as legit. Even so, a nice conversion gun can easily go $2-3k. FWIW, conversions tend to cycle better. But that will be small consolation if you think you're buying an original.

I put together a word doc on the subject. Much of the info (and credit) derives from the now-deceased Winchester guru on another forum. PM with email address and I'll send it.

It has pics of the correctly angled cutoff raceway and large shellplate stop. If you don't know why they matter you are begging to be taken.

the serial number will help. the type butt and or pad will help too. if I could see it I could ID it.

If Bob never heard of one, there’s no such thing.

Thanks Ted! But you make me blush!

I also have a Winchester model 12 in 28 gauge. Serial number indicates 1937 mfg. Mine is not a Black Diamond, but it’s very lightly used. I had a collector offer a very tidy sum several years go, much more than has been suggested here. I probably should of taken it b/c I understand the values of collector firearms has decreased somewhat recently.