I inherited a Winchester model 12 shotgun. It is 16 guage. It is in very good condition, minimal blueing. The serial numbers all match and it hasn't been fired in about 20 years. It has been oiled and stored correctly. It was made in 1937. I have seen people tryint to get old ones of these. Why? Why are they so special? What makes them so cool? Why are the older ones more expensive and coveted? Anyone know about how much they are worth? I am not looking to sell it, I am just curious. Thanks for your help!
2007-09-04 07:30:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
gunbroker.com Check this out for value of your shotgun.*
2007-09-04 07:38:23 · answer #1 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your model 12 was manufactured in 1927. That means that it will have a 2 3/4 inch chamber - which is a good thing. Some of the older model 12 shotguns have a 2 9/16 in chamber, which isn't a very bad thing, but just means that you have to find ammunition that will fit in the gun. Many factors will determine the value of the gun. The amount of bluing wear. The amount of factory finish on the wood. If the stock has been cut. If the barrel has been cut. And any other modifcations to the gun. For some, the 16 gauge is not that popular. I happen to love the 16 gauge shotguns. But they sell for maybe a little less than the 12 gauge, since they are slighty more expensive to feed (ammo) and they have little or no advantage over a 20 gauge in performance (so some say). Other factors that can add value would be if it had factory checkering and a solid factory rib. A 16 gauge with a plain barrel and 60 percent bluing might sell for about $300 in most markets. If the gun had a factory solid rib and 98 percent bluing, then it would go for $1,200.
2016-05-21 02:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three of them. A 20 ga, a 16 ga and a12 ga. And I treasure each one. The 12 ga. is a Trap grade and the 16 ga. came in a fitted case. The 20 ga. is a hard one to find and very pricey when you do find one. As said the fit and finish of these shotguns are what made them so popular. They are reliable and user friendly. All mine were made prior to 1964. I have seen 12 ga. field grade with hardly any blue go for $250 to $300 at gun shows. If you just really want one, go ahead and pick up one of those and have it refinished by a GOOD gunsmith and any worn parts replaced. It may not be a collectors item but it will be a shotgun you can use and rely on, and pass on to your kids.
Sarge
2007-09-07 08:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They quit making that shotgun in 1964. They are prized because all the work done on the gun is machined steel, not stamped parts. The materials were great and the gun was an excellent shotgun.
I believe Winchester Firearms were already sold to the Olin corporation before 1964 and has since changed hands again. The gun you have, might have actually been from the Winchester company itself but I cant recall the year Winchester sold for the first time.
2007-09-06 04:33:22 · answer #4 · answered by Ret. Sgt. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Model 12 Winchesters have reached cult status because they are a fine shooting shotgun. They are considered as one of the finest pump shotguns ever built by many people, and yes, there are those who will pay a premium to buy one. Every gunsmith I know says to not shoot steel shot in one.
16 guage is one of the more rare guages, but the fact that it only has minimal bluing will detract from its value. Do not get it re-blued, at least not until you determine what it is worth. Winchester made several varieties over the year and the only way to know what it is truly worth is to have it appraised by a Model 12 expert. A case in point is my model 42 (.410 version of the Model 12) has factory modifications that do not show up in the Blue Book of Gun Values, so the typical pull out the book at the gun show guy believes it has aftermarket modifications that severely decrease the value. Thankfully, I have verification that these were indeed factory mods--that's why you need to have yours evaluated by someone who really knows the Model 12.
2007-09-04 10:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by John T 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you've ever seen pics of the Vietnam conflict and seen soldiers with a shotgun, it is most likely a model 12. Reportedly ultra-reliable and good enough to spray the jungle with buckshot.
2007-09-06 09:57:31 · answer #6 · answered by Lou T 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They dont make them no more and it a really good gun.
2007-09-04 08:32:00 · answer #7 · answered by ryan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋