The Model 12 seems to be universally revered in shotgun circles. Please throw in your thoughts before I start hunting one down. Thanks!
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I prefer the look of honestly beaten up bluing and walnut....it speaks of being there.As a member of the younger generation (32 this year) I will admit I love my Model 12 as I got it from my grandfather. That being said I have not actually gone out and bought one, the closest I came was my 20 gauge which I offered to buy but was instead given to me as a wedding present.
The only other shotguns I own are a maple Maxus I bought for clays that I took pheasant hunting once and the 725 that I am picking up today to shoot sporting clays with on Sunday weather permitting.
The other thing is exposure, most younger people aren’t being exposed to them except for family and friends, on the gun shop rack they look like any other old shotgun to someone with zero knowledge of them. These days most working guns are going synthetic and cerakoted, that’s exactly hat my brother did with his Maxus II as he didn’t want to beat up the blued and walnut A5 he bought as a copy of our grandfather’s Belgian Auto 5
Funny you should mention that, last year I found out they made a 28 gauge model 12 so I rushed to Gunbroker to find one. I then saw the prices, laughed and started pricing out a pair of custom rifles as it was cheaper.
The issue is that my brother tends to beat stuff up pretty good, he switched his main hunting rifles to carbon fiber stocks so that he didn’t destroy the wood ones. He even got one in the McMillan McWalnut color so that it looks like wood but can take the abuse better.I prefer the look of honestly beaten up bluing and walnut....it speaks of being there.
The Miroku built 20 ga and 28 ga repros I have are very smooth....way smoother than my several 16 ga and one 20 ga Winchester, New Haven, CT built ones. The Browning and Winchester repro fully open when you depress the pump release with barrel pointed to the sky....unloaded with the pre-hammer cocked of course. And the actions feel so good on the range.With Model 12s, the smaller the gauge/frame, the stiffer and clunkier the action with the high priced 28 ga being the worst. The large frame 12 ga is by far the smoothest. That said, they are still fun to shoot. Just don’t expect that silky smooth action that you find on other pump guns in the Model 12 sub gauges
Some very nice shotguns, made to hunt with and shoot. Photo really shows the difference between the 12 ga large frame and the 16 and 20 ga small frames (same with the 28 ga).Three of my favorite Model 12’s from 1940/41. All field models with hard use, and in perfect working order 12/16/20 guages…top to bottom.
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There certainly is a difference between honest wear and abuse.👍The issue is that my brother tends to beat stuff up pretty good, he switched his main hunting rifles to carbon fiber stocks so that he didn’t destroy the wood ones. He even got one in the McMillan McWalnut color so that it looks like wood but can take the abuse better.
The only reason for the demise of the model 12 was the cost of production. I will further comment that the Remakes of Winchester obsolete models, made in Japan are nice guns but they are not Winchesters. I had a 42 and I could tell it wasn’t original in a dark room. The lever action rifles are the same way. If you are use to Original Winchesters they are the only ones that will “do”. They have their own feel. There is a book on the Winchester Company. This is about the company and its operations and procedures for building guns. Most very dry reading but will reveal so unbelievable practices in manufacturing. You will understand why Winchester was run out of business by poor management. To say they were behind times would be charitable.You're absolutely right, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun has an almost legendary status among gun enthusiasts.
Here are some reasons why the Model 12 is so well-regarded:
The Model 12 has a reputation for being incredibly reliable and durable, thanks to its solid construction and simple, yet robust design.
Many folks praise the Model 12's smooth action, which is often described as "buttery" or "silky." This makes it a joy to shoot, especially for those who appreciate a well-crafted firearm.
It was introduced in 1912 and remained in production until 1964, making it a significant part of American firearms history. It has been used by civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel alike, adding to its reputation as a reliable and versatile shotgun.
The Model 12 has a classic, timeless appearance that many find appealing. It's a beautiful shotgun that looks great in a display case or in the field.
This is true, we do a lot of walking on deer drives through some thick brush here in PA. In some cases it’s thick enough you just turn backwards and walk through it. Between that, riding in the beds of trucks and rangers and the occasional slip on glacial rock it’s inevitable that you are going to get a couple good marks in a wood stock eventually.There certainly is a difference between honest wear and abuse.👍