LGS has Winchester Model 12... what to look at?

[cbuttre835]

I found a couple good links here on identifying Winchester Model 12s... LGS has one for $495, isn't pristine but not abused; I'd say 80% wood, 90% metal finish. Not rusty but not bright blue either. Barrel is plain. I didn't notice markings or what choke it is.

Action seems fine, bore is OK, , but I'm not terribly knowledgeable on pump guns. The only pump gun, a Mossberg 500 (revelation 550 technically) I ever bought used, the foreend fell off due to the broken spot welds on the slide rails that plague those guns. It had the action creatively zip tied shut so it couldn't be racked a time or two to see the problem.

That kinda left a bad taste in my mouth, about buying a used something cause it's cheaper than what's on Gunbroker at the time.

Anyway it seems like OK money on it according to gunbroker... are there any major pitfalls to it; easy things to ID that say "walk away"... ???

all help appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

First, any LGS that won't cut the Zip-Tye off for a prospective customer to open the action would be the first thing I would walk away from.
NO, actually I would run!

The biggest thing I would look at on an old Model 12 is the locking bolt recess in the top of the receiver.

If it shows any signs of peening, or a sharp edge you can feel, or the bolt wiggles by hand when locked shut, walk away.

Unlike all modern shotguns which have the bolt locking lug machined as part of the barrel extension?
The Model 12 bolt locks into a milled recess in the top of the steel receiver.

Once that locking recess wears or becomes battered, it is a lot of money to have someone like Simmons or Briley who know how to repair it, actually do it.

rc

 

[Captcurt]

At $495 it would have to be pretty slick before I would get it. I have seen some nice ones on Gunbroker go for that kind of money.

 

[cbuttre835]

@ rcmodel... it was at a gun show; zip-tie required to prevent chambering a round. however most everyone else just zip-ties a pumpgun loosely through the ejection port through the bottom so at least the action can be partway worked and the bore condition inspected.

thanks for the tips on the locking bolt recess.

@ captcurt; it actually does have some dust on it, it might be a consignment and price won't budge in which case it's a moot point. I'll scope it out a little further.

thanks.

 

[PabloJ]

Unless it is smaller then 12ga what you describe is worth about $350. I would walk away and look for older Ithaca 37 you can still pick field guns in excellent condition for about $300.