The Model 12 turns 100 this year!

B

Bushmaster1313

New member
And the 97 is 115!

These are a bit younger:
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Model 12 from 1957
Model 97 from 1937
 
Bushmaster1313,
Nice old shotguns.
I've owned several model 12's but never a 97.
I've shot and hunted with 97's but could never find one forsale at a decent price.
I do still have an old Winchester model 11 that I need to put new wood on.
Best Regards
Bob Hunter
 
In the David Miller Directory of Guns, there are lots of variants of the Mod 12. Most are combat versions or specially engraved.

I do not see mine listed. It is a WS-1. 12g with a beautiful wood stock.
Is this one of the later models under "Misc"?
 
I always thought the '97 was the perfect HD shotgun. That external hammer lets you keep one in the chamber without having to worry about a safety.
 
My 12 from circa 1925. The main reason I say 1925 is that when the gun was restored, I found a hunting license rolled up and inserted in the hollow of the butt stock which was issued in 1925. The gun was a mess, with some sort of paint on all the metal, including the bolt. I totally stripped the metal and the furniture and while I refinished the wood, a gunsmith friend of mine polished out the receiver, barrel, ect and did a hot blue job which is deep, rich and better than new, imo. Originally got the gun off Armslist for $200 and put that much into the refinishing and it's a beauty. This made my 4th Mod.12 in my collection. The real kicker, is that the original owner of this gun lived in the same small town(3500) where I was born.
 

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Not original straight stock zippy, my dad got them in exchange for a blueing job he did. I love straight stocked guns and model 12's, esp. this 16 gauge.
 
I shot with a guy today that had a Model 12 Y Trap gun that had some really nice wood. He said that because some of the parts weren't machined they offered it with the nicer wood.
 
I went to a farm auction yesterday and picked up a nice old model12.
Going by the serial number info I have this one was made in 1914.
This is the forth model 12 I've owned, it seems like every time I get one someone gets crazy with their money and they end up owning the model 12's.

They also had a sweet model 42 at this same auction, but I got out bid on it.

There's another auction I plan to attend, they have a model 12 in 16 ga.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
 
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