I'm not sure why, other than just because.....

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  • Bigtanker

    Cuddles
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    Aug 21, 2012
    21,688
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    Osceola
    I was at a LGS on Monday searching for a Model 12 in 12 gauge for my father-in-law. They said we have a 16 gauge but no 12. So just for giggles, I asked to see the 16. He went in the back and after a while he brought it up. The finish was rough and had some kind of poly-choke on it. It also had a non-vented rib. I worked the action and it seemed good. The wood looked decent. S/N matched on the barrel and receiver too. So I handed it back and said I'll think about it.

    I got home and searched the S/N. 1937 was it's birthday. I have no need for it. I wasn't even looking at buying a shotgun, especially a 16 gauge. I'll probably shoot it a little and it will live in the safe. But I couldn't let it slip by. It came home with me today.











     
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    Bigtanker

    Cuddles
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    Aug 21, 2012
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    I think that's one reason I like it. I'd love to know what it's been through in it's 82 years too. I checked the bolt hole in the stock to see if there was anything there. It was empty.
     

    rob63

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    May 9, 2013
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    Without exception, my favorite guns are the ones that look well used. Looks great!
     

    Bigtanker

    Cuddles
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    Found the patent drawing of the poly choke.

    US2656637-drawings-page-1.png
     

    HKUSP

    Sharpshooter
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    Dec 5, 2015
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    Danville, IN
    That's a Winchester. I have a model 12 and it's a sweet shooting shotgun. Once you shoot one of those, modern shotguns seem seriously lacking in character.
     

    Bigtanker

    Cuddles
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    The furniture is surprisingly in good shape which makes me wonder if it has been replaced at some point. At least the butt stock. I could see the forend being original.

    They quit making the model 12's in the early 60's. I think. Some say they were the best pump action ever made. I can't say that because I haven't shot it yet. My father-in-law had a bunch of model 12's and he loved shooting them. Sadly he lost them all in a house fire last October.

    This one might end up with him. I was looking for a 12 gauge for him when I found this one. If he likes it, I'll let him have it.
     

    Conductor

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    May 5, 2019
    27
    3
    ANDREWS
    My Model 12 trench gun is probably my favorite of everything that I own. These shotguns just look right, not to mention, slam fire capability....
     

    Expat

    Pdub
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    Feb 27, 2010
    108,736
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    Michiana
    I have a model 12 in 12 g, I have thought about getting a 16 and a 20. They can be pretty salty any more in good shape. I have a 12 and 16 in the Mod 97. The 16 g was my Dad's.
     

    Mongo59

    Master
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    Jul 30, 2018
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    Purgatory
    Hi. My name is Mongo, and I am a model 12 junkie.

    There is not a thing wrong with the 16. As people get older they find it will do everything the 12 will but "more comfortably".

    Your FIL is a blessed man to have so thoughtful a SIL.

    I know of no squirrel, rabbit or bird alive today that can tell the story, "they would have had me if it wasn't for the fact they had a 16ga..."
     
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