Win M12 quesions

The Model 12 was discontinued in 1963 and replaced with the much cheaper 1200 pump.

They remained pretty much the same quality over the years and no design changes of any significance were ever made to them.

Some time later after 1964, both Winchester & Browning sold a run of limited production commemorative Model 12's that were made in Japan, by Makuru I think.

They were very very nice guns, with a very nice price to match.

But the bottom line is, if you find a Model 12 at all, it is very likely to be a Pre-64, because the Post-64's were made in small numbers and there just weren't very many of them sold.
http://www.cabelas.com/gun-inventory---dundee---winchester---1217428-win12japn-dun.shtml

Many of those that were are now in collections and unfired, still in the box in many cases.

rc

I will add that following 1964 Winchester did make Model 12s in their custom shop. These were a redesign that kept the parts interchangeable with the original production. The serial numbers begin with the letter Y.

The Y series had upgraded wood and ventilated ribs. I have seen Trap with Monte Carlo stocks, field and Skeet.

The Y series were high quality guns, but they "feel" different from the pre Y series.

You probably don't want a Trap Gun, unless you are a Trap shooter.

They are normally stocked straighter then a field gun, and will shoot high for any normal use.

They are also normally full-choke and pattern very tight.

rc

Y guns also had a trigger interrupter. So you couldn't do the ole Pump-n-fire.

The Y series would likely be found in better condition since they were made later and because they were higher grade would be better taken care of than a pre Y field gun. Otherwise no, one is not better than the other.

I use a trap gun for pheasants, doves (with difficulty) and of course trap. That works in the open plains of Colorado. A trap gun is not the best choice for quail or similar close in hunting.

I find the Y series Model 12s the best looking, unless you find a high grade (and high cost) pre Y series such as Pigeon grade or trap or the like.

I believe the Jap repos were only available in 20 ga.

ATAShooter, no the Y guns would do the pump and fire. The Browning remakes did have the interrupter.

ATAShooter, no the Y guns would do the pump and fire. The Browning remakes did have the interrupter.

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Well I'll be doggone... learned something new today....

If you need M12 choke work done... here is the Model 12 Guru.

Are barrels interchangeable for these guns?

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No, not exactly.

The whole front half of the gun has to be changed to change the barrel.

A fitted & headspaced extra barrel & forend/mag assembly could be had, but it wouldn't be cheap.

rc