Dave -
Dad says Win. 12 is a Model 1400. Afterward of 1400 is MK11, possibly MKII. 2 3/4" Chamber. Choke not determined. Serial #N552XXX. Does that tell ya more?
Another lady friend sent e-mail that husband got her a 20 gauge Rem. 11-87 today for Christmas. Maybe we can help her break it in one day soon ...
Yep, recoil of 870 has not been that bad to me - only when I do something stupid like trying to shoot at a dove from a lawn chair without having it mounted good