Winchester Model 12 Advice

[dja_3_hunter]

I've got the opportunity to purchase some older Model 12's in 12 (11 total)and 20 (2 total) gage. Based on the serial #'s that I found in the back of the Blue Book of Gun Values they have the following dates.

1914,1922,1925,1927,1930 (20 gage) 1934,1940,1948,1953 (20 gage) 1954,1955,1956,1962

I'm wanting to know if there are certain years that are worth more than others and what is a ball park price to pay. Unfortunately I haven't seen these guns yet and I don't know any other details.

Thanks,
DJ

 

[Lee Lapin]

Note that really old Model 12s may have chambers shorter than 2 3/4".

Other than that, value depends partly to largely on original issue grade, and on condition now. Pay close attention before you buy...

lpl/nc

 

[rick_reno]

12 ga guns were all 2 3/4 inch. The early 20 ga M12's were chambered for
2 1/2" shells. This was changed to 2 3/4" in 1925. The early 16 ga. M12's had 2 9/16" chambers, this changed to 2 3/4" in 1927. It should be noted that gunsmiths and Winchester did a good business in changing the early chambers to standard 2 3/4". In 1935 the 12 ga. guns were offered with a 3 inch chamber. 20 ga. guns before s/n 682,171 had 25 inch barrels standard, if the ones you've found are not 25 inch and have the original barrels you've found a special order gun. After s/n 682,171 they went to a 26 inch barrel. Winchester did lots of special orders.
Without knowing a lot more about these guns you've found it's impossible to say if any are worth real money. Grades, chokes, etc. can add significantly to the value. There are a LOT of variations in M12's.