winchester model 12 questions

[Gunnerboy]

So i just picked up a old win model 12 in 16ga the condition is 65-70% overall, now the main question how can i tell what model it is eg. pidgeon, trap,skeet, etc? this shotgun has a plain barrel with a steel bead, a pistol grip checked stock in a semi fancy walnut.... is this a pidgeon grade model 12 ? and also 200$ sounded fare to me what do y'all think?

 

[CatManDo]

This might help you:
http://homesteadfirearms.com/appraisals/12winShotgun/12win-model-configurations.htm
$200 seems like a great buy.

 

[Gunnerboy]

Thank you it is a pidgeon model according to the site

 

[Tom Held]

win 12 pigeon grade guns

If you really have an original Winchester Model 12, 16 gauge, in Pigeon Grade it will be worth $3,000 to $6,000 depending on condition and choke. It should have a solid rib, the winchester proof mark on the left side of the barrel near the receiver, and the pigeon logo stamped on the underside of the barrel, deluxe wood, handcut checkering, etc. There are a lot of counterfeit copies out there. Any good machinist can make the "wp" and "pigeon" stamps, roll them on a standard barrel, and reblue the entire gun.

It's even worse with 20 gauge Model 12 field grade guns that have been "upgraded" to 28 gauge versions which quadruple the price.

Lots of unscrupulous sellers out there and these somewhat rare Model 12s are in high demand with collectors.