Shotgun Forum banner
  • Whether you're a greenhorn or a seasoned veteran, your collection's next piece is at Bass Pro Shops. Shop Now.

    Advertisement
1 - 10 of 10 Posts

Grouse Gunner

· Registered
Joined
·
1,952 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am looking for an inexpensive trap gun just to experiment with and introduce myself to trap shooting. I'm a died in the wool skeet shooter and I just want a gun to fool around with but still, l'd like it to be an appropriate or dedicated trap gun. I need to be able to sell it for not too much loss if I decide trap is not for me. I like the older classic stuff.

So...I have been looking at a Model 31 true trap model and a Model 12 "trap" version locally. They are priced about the same. The model 12 has target wood and a Simmons rib and has been re-blued. I think it's possibly just a built up field model. It's not marked "trap" anywhere on it. The 31 appears all original or perhaps possibly has satin finish upgraded wood and is in better condition. I already own Model 12 field guns in 16 and 20 ga.

My concerns are:

1. Since so many fewer 31's were made than model 12's, are parts a problem?

2. Is it harder to find a gunsmith who can service 31's? Are they harder to work on?

3. Any inherent weakness in the 31 as opposed to the 12, ditto for inherent advantages? I know the 12 has the tightening ring which is comforting to me in a used gun and I don't believe the 31 can be adjusted for headspace or wear. I don't know how much either of these guns have been shot but the 31 appears more pristene.

4. We are not talking big money here so it's not too much of a concern, but should I need to sell, is the market or demand for one significantly better than the other? It's possible I may not keep whichever one I buy and would enjoy a reasonably easy sale as I always price them fair and right when I sell.

I can live with either of these guns. The model 12 grip fits my hand better but will necessitate a little expense to lengthen the pull. The 31 grip is a little thinner (which is fine for me) but just a hair long to reach the trigger but serviceable (I have small hands and a short finger reach). I can use the 31 just as it is with no added expense.

I'm leaning towards the 31 but I'm very interested in what you knowledgeable folks have to say.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Read more: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=251803#ixzz1GWwX5uH1
 
The 12 will have better resale value down the road, IMHO. M12's carry a premium for no logical reason.
 
Parts could be an issue. If you need to, I don't know that anyone puts a release trigger in a model 31 any more. I bought a number of 16 gauge model 31s, as that is what I love. But parts are typically widely available.

The only real problem is that everyone is going to think you are wicked awesome. The Model 31 is the superior shotgun. It's what I shoot for pheasant work.
 
I've owned a couple of Model 31's,,,,both very wonderful shotguns,,,,but I long ago traded them away for other guns. A Model 31 lived it's entire life in the shadow of the Model 12. The Model 12 is the "real thing",,,,the Model 31 merely Remington's version,,,in my opinion.

The most desirable trap pump shotgun has been a Model 12 for almost a century. It's the gold standard for trap pump guns.

I like a Model 37 Ithaca more than any other repeating shotgun for hunting real birds,,,,even over a Model 12. But for trap or skeet, the Model 12 has and will remain "the boss gun" when it comes to a pump.

Model 12's are not really that elegant of a design. I own five of them. They have some trouble from time to time, but not very often,,,,and there are always parts and always people to fix them. More than that,,,,they are worth fixing.

But, if you've never had a Model 31 you really ought to try one. Imagine an 870 with better wood and traditional slow rust blue and more hand fitting. They are a wonderful gun.

Perhaps the very best solution would be to simply buy them both. A brand new 870 Classic Trap probably costs more today that both guns,,,,and doesn't come with a smidgen of romance. :wink:
 
I prefer the Remington 31. IMHO it's the finest pump shotgun ever built.

Winchester always marketed their products better than their rivals, but their machine work always lagged behind (thus all the hand fitting and non interchangeable parts).

Trap legend Vic Reinders put over 500.000 rounds through his Remington model 31. At one point in his career he trained military gunners using a fairly equal mix of model 12 winchesters and model 31 remingtons. He stated that the Remingtons held up better than the Winchesters.

If you understand that Ford has always built better cars than Chevy then you'll also understand that the Remington 31 is better than the Winchester model 12 :)

Weagle
 
To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere on this topic..."...there may be prettier trap guns, there may be more expensive trap guns, but there is no better trap gun than a Winchester Model 12!". I'm not familiar with the Rem 31, it obviously has its fans, but I shoot nothing but a Model 12 for trap. BTW, not all the Model 12 Trap guns were stamped "Trap". EG
 
Winchester did have Simmons put some ribs on guns but not Model 12 trap guns IIRC. The Model 12 that you're looking at is almost certainly a built up field gun. IT WILL NOT HOLD ITS VALUE BETTER THAN A TARGET GRADE MODEL 31!! Sorry to shout :oops: .

The pinnacle of smoothness for the Model 12 was their Pigeon grade. I've seen Model 31 field grade guns that are smoother than Pigeon and Trap grade Model 12's. If the 31 is a factory trap grade and hasn't been messed with--it's a no brainer when compared to a built up field model 12. If you go to your local gunclub and put both on a rack with a for sale sign--and both are equally priced---the Model 31 will be gone before anyone looks at the Model 12. Field grade 31's don't move as quickly, but their popularity is increasing.

JMO/YMMV.
 
First and foremost - welcome to the sport!

I am also a new trapshooter who was given a Model 12 field gun by my Father-in-law. After a couple of months, I found a gorgeous Model 12 Trap that had been reblued and a has a fancy walnut Monte Carlo stock and forend. Becuase the gun was not original (so not viewed as worthy to collectors) I only paid $800 for her. It points so naturally and I just got my second 25 straight this past weekend. I never fired a shotgun until last September and shoot 4 rounds per week, weather permitting.

I did some looking around on the Model 31, and it seems like you can get one for less, but it seems like you can find more Model 12's in better condition (just an observation based on random sampling). I'm not experienced enough to give out advice, but I would decide based on which one feels better in your hands, mounts more consistently and appeals to your soul.

I find myself mounting my Model 12 upwards of 20 times per day - partially practice, partially because the gun calls out to me. Find the right instrument for you, and run with it. You can learn a ton from the folks on this site and you can always trade-up later.

Good luck, have fun, and many broken birds to you!
 
1 - 10 of 10 Posts