Value of a 1961 Model 12 Winchester?

[batex]

A local shop has a Winchester model 12 for sale. I believe this is a "Skeet" gun as it has a vented rib, is choked WS-1 and has a 26" barrel. The wood is a step up from field grade with some figure and it has the skeet/trap type forend. The serial number dates it to 1961 or 1962. There is some freckling on the receiver, wear on the mag tube, and a couple of blemishes on the stock so I would rate it about 75-80%. The rib doesn't have the duckbill on the receiver (just a normal ramp to the rib) but it does have the mid bead and a red front bead.

I'm wondering how much the gun is worth? The dealer has it priced at $550...don't know how much, if any, he would reduce that. I've seen shooter field grade guns for much less, but short barrel, skeet guns seem to go for much more.

Obviously it's not a mint condition gun nor is it as nice as a pre-war are early 50's gun.

Any thoughts or comments?

Thanks,

 

[3pairs12]

Its prolly worth it. Model 12s are all over the place price wise. Check gun broker.

 

[loosecannon]

M12

Most likely this gun's rib was put on by someone other than Win. which did not offer ventilated ribs. The famous Simmons smith shop made an industry out of expertly installing ribs on on M12's. The Simmons rib was steel. The now defunct Polychoke Company offered a glued on aluminum rib, which was so-so. Check it with a magnet.

Many, many of these old guns had various types of external chokes like the adjustable Polychoke or the Cutts that took big long screw in tubes installed on them. Often, later on these parts were later cut off and a cheap rib glued on and, you had a good quail gun.

Verify barrel length and gauge choke using a cone shaped tool that the dealer should have. If it measures cylinder, the barrel has been cut. You might ask about the rib and whether the pipe has been cut. I promise that the dealer knows. The M12 is a complex design and more fragile than today's pumps, and they are expensive to work on. Check it out.

Loosecannon

 

[JohnBT]

That's the first time I've ever heard the Model 12 called fragile.

John

 

[gunut]

buy it....if dont like is sell it and make 3/400

 

[batex]

Thanks for the feedback. I've never owned a model 12 before so I don't know how reliable they are. I've always heard they were pretty solid and reliable however.

I'm wondering now if the vent rib is original. Dis all skeet guns have a vent rib installed?

THanks again!

 

[chas08]

That's the first time I've ever heard the Model 12 called fragile.

Me too, but then the oldest one in my family has only been around since 1954.

$550 don't really sound all that bad. If the barrel hasn't been cut and the serial #'s on the barrel assembly and the reciever match. Especially if it's an above field grade model. All Model 12's are collector items to some degree. And a great piece of American history to pass on to your heirs.