Winchester Model 12 - Value of?

NoBite · November 10, 2002, 03:22 PM

I have an old Winchester Model 12 given to me in the 1970's by my Grandfather. He used it extensively as a young man. I am not sure of the age of this shotgun, but on the right side of the barrel where it lists the patent dates, the last date listed is July 22, 1913. This is a 12-gauge, nickel steel. Serial number is 271xxx.

The shotgun has seen a lot of action, but is in very serviceable shape. Can anyone tell me what sort of worth it may have (beyond sentimental!).

Thanks,

LF&Co. MG · November 10, 2002, 03:47 PM

Around here, Model 12s usually go for between $400 to $600 in good shape. This is just for standard guns. This is not the Blue of Gun Values, just what I see around.

Dave McC · November 10, 2002, 04:22 PM

$300 up here as a SEG. But, since it's a family heirloom, you should keep it.

The 12 is one of the great ones. Little goes wrong with them, and they point nicely. Shoot it in memory of your grandfather.

Some of the oldest ones were chambered for 2 1/2" shells. Since all old guns should be checked out by a decent smithe before firing, he can check this then.

NoBite · November 10, 2002, 05:06 PM

Dave, you have given me good advice. I really don't want to sell the shotgun and taking it to a gunsmith before getting to know it better is a good idea!

My Grandfather really liked to hunt. I bet the gun knows lots of stories!

HSMITH · November 10, 2002, 05:22 PM

Value of Model 12's is a lot like old cars. Unless you really know them it is really hard to tell. One you see might look like hell and bring $1000 or more, and a cherry will bring $500. They were made for a LONG time and there are LOTS of variations. There are several books out if you are curious as to just exactly what you have, or you could look for an old guy shooting one at the club. Very few model 12s are seen at the range anymore being shot by someone that is not into them. Great shotgun BTW, I would love to have one.

Steven Mace · November 10, 2002, 10:36 PM

NoBite, just so you know, your Winchester Model 12 was made in 1922.

Steve Mace

Dave McC · November 11, 2002, 04:53 AM

Nobite, family guns are part of our heritage. Think of your Granddad when you use it. And you should use it, they were made to be shot.

I was shooting trap last year when a young man showed up with his GF's Model 97. It was a simple field grade, and he used it just a couple times a year hunting and target shooting.

My GF left me no guns, but there's a couple split bamboo fly rods that were his in the house. I take them out once a year or so for a little nostalgia.

NoBite · November 11, 2002, 06:47 AM

Wow, 1922! Then, this gun is in very good shape for its age. That does it. I'm taking it to a gunsmith to be thoroughly checked out and then I'm going to find someone to give me a few tips so I can use it.

Thanks, fellows, for rekindling my interest in the old Model 12. It was obviously made right and I do believe I should learn more about it.

Regards,

LF&Co. MG · November 11, 2002, 08:42 AM

I echo the sentiments of this advice. I would hang onto it. A model 12 is perhaps the finest mass produced, American pump gun ever made. The machining and materials it would take to make the gun today make it cost ineffective to reproduce. Definately have it checked by a competant smith. I had one a few years back that had a nasty habit of going off when you shucked a round into it. Your finger needed not to be on the trigger. I thanked God for me always maintaining proper muzzle control

rick_reno · November 11, 2002, 11:27 AM

All 12 ga. model 12's were chambered in 2 3/4 inch length. The first M12's were 20 ga. only and were chambered in 2 1/2 inch length, 12 and 16 ga. guns were offered in 1914, with the early 16 ga. guns having 2 and 9/16th inch chamber. In 1925 the 20 ga. guns were switched to 2 and 2 3/4 inch, in 1927 the 16 ga. guns were moved to 2 and 3/4 inch. In 1935 Winchester offered the 12 ga. M12 in 3 inch "Heavy Duck" model.
These are great shotguns, I've collected them for over 40 years and still enjoy them.

November 10, 2002, 03:22 PM	#1
NoBite Member Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 42	Winchester Model 12 - Value of? I have an old Winchester Model 12 given to me in the 1970's by my Grandfather. He used it extensively as a young man. I am not sure of the age of this shotgun, but on the right side of the barrel where it lists the patent dates, the last date listed is July 22, 1913. This is a 12-gauge, nickel steel. Serial number is 271xxx. The shotgun has seen a lot of action, but is in very serviceable shape. Can anyone tell me what sort of worth it may have (beyond sentimental!). Thanks, __________________ The Second Amendment:America's Original Homeland Security

November 10, 2002, 03:47 PM	#2
LF&Co. MG Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2002 Location: Lenoir City TN. Posts: 105	Around here, Model 12s usually go for between $400 to $600 in good shape. This is just for standard guns. This is not the Blue of Gun Values, just what I see around. __________________ "This was the great abiding lesson of my boyhood, that I was in a world where it was not possible for me to be good" George Orwell

November 10, 2002, 05:06 PM	#4
NoBite Member Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 42	Dave, you have given me good advice. I really don't want to sell the shotgun and taking it to a gunsmith before getting to know it better is a good idea! My Grandfather really liked to hunt. I bet the gun knows lots of stories! __________________ The Second Amendment:America's Original Homeland Security

November 10, 2002, 10:36 PM	#6
Steven Mace Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 1999 Location: Clifton, Colorado USA Posts: 724	NoBite, just so you know, your Winchester Model 12 was made in 1922. Steve Mace __________________ After today, its all historical

November 11, 2002, 06:47 AM	#8
NoBite Member Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 42	Wow, 1922! Then, this gun is in very good shape for its age. That does it. I'm taking it to a gunsmith to be thoroughly checked out and then I'm going to find someone to give me a few tips so I can use it. Thanks, fellows, for rekindling my interest in the old Model 12. It was obviously made right and I do believe I should learn more about it. Regards, __________________ The Second Amendment:America's Original Homeland Security

November 10, 2002, 04:22 PM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	$300 up here as a SEG. But, since it's a family heirloom, you should keep it. The 12 is one of the great ones. Little goes wrong with them, and they point nicely. Shoot it in memory of your grandfather. Some of the oldest ones were chambered for 2 1/2" shells. Since all old guns should be checked out by a decent smithe before firing, he can check this then.

November 10, 2002, 05:22 PM	#5
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	Value of Model 12's is a lot like old cars. Unless you really know them it is really hard to tell. One you see might look like hell and bring $1000 or more, and a cherry will bring $500. They were made for a LONG time and there are LOTS of variations. There are several books out if you are curious as to just exactly what you have, or you could look for an old guy shooting one at the club. Very few model 12s are seen at the range anymore being shot by someone that is not into them. Great shotgun BTW, I would love to have one.

November 11, 2002, 04:53 AM	#7
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Nobite, family guns are part of our heritage. Think of your Granddad when you use it. And you should use it, they were made to be shot. I was shooting trap last year when a young man showed up with his GF's Model 97. It was a simple field grade, and he used it just a couple times a year hunting and target shooting. My GF left me no guns, but there's a couple split bamboo fly rods that were his in the house. I take them out once a year or so for a little nostalgia.

November 11, 2002, 08:42 AM	#9
LF&Co. MG Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2002 Location: Lenoir City TN. Posts: 105	I echo the sentiments of this advice. I would hang onto it. A model 12 is perhaps the finest mass produced, American pump gun ever made. The machining and materials it would take to make the gun today make it cost ineffective to reproduce. Definately have it checked by a competant smith. I had one a few years back that had a nasty habit of going off when you shucked a round into it. Your finger needed not to be on the trigger. I thanked God for me always maintaining proper muzzle control __________________ "This was the great abiding lesson of my boyhood, that I was in a world where it was not possible for me to be good" George Orwell

November 11, 2002, 11:27 AM	#10
rick_reno Junior member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 917	Winchester Model 12 All 12 ga. model 12's were chambered in 2 3/4 inch length. The first M12's were 20 ga. only and were chambered in 2 1/2 inch length, 12 and 16 ga. guns were offered in 1914, with the early 16 ga. guns having 2 and 9/16th inch chamber. In 1925 the 20 ga. guns were switched to 2 and 2 3/4 inch, in 1927 the 16 ga. guns were moved to 2 and 3/4 inch. In 1935 Winchester offered the 12 ga. M12 in 3 inch "Heavy Duck" model. These are great shotguns, I've collected them for over 40 years and still enjoy them.