Questions on Winchester Model 12 Trap..

[DonT]

Just picked up a very nice Winchester Model 12, 12ga.

It is marked "Trap" on the underside of the tube.

The gun is very tight, when you hit the button to release the bolt it actually pops open.  Bluing is strong wood is good (forend is checkered, butt is not) with some dings not unexpected on a gun this age and the barrel has a solid rib with 2 beads, bore is bright and shiny.  Based on the serial number 825xxx it was mfg. in 1939.

Only draw back is it has a Polychoke, it doesn't bother me but I a sure to the purests it drives the value down a bunch.

I am trying to get an aproximate value for it.  It is marked for 2 3/4 shells.
Anyone point me to a website or familar with the trap version of this gun?

Thanks in advance.. DonT :-)

[savageT]

DonT,
I have Gun Traders Guide 23rd edition: Model 12 Trap Gun same as standard model 12, except has straighter stock, checkered pistol grip and extension slide handle, recoil pad, 30-inch matted bbl. F choke, 12 ga. only.discontinued after WWII; vent-rib model discontinued 1965.
Matted-rib bbl.............................$850
With straight stock, vent rib.........$950
With Monte Carlo stock, vent rib..$995.

Comments:  Sounds as though butt stock has been replaced (no checkering), and solid rib....could that be the term "Matted Rib"?

Jim

[DonT]

SavageT,

Thanks for the input.  ON the bottom of the mag tube is says Model-12-Trap.  The buttstock is the pistol grip style and the wood is a fairly good match to the forend.  There is about 24 inches of barrel plus another 3" of Polychoke.

I know the polychoke takes away from the value but like I said it is a sweet old gun in great condition considering is was built in 1939.  I just couldn't let it sit in the rack any longer at the shop with all them new fangled, sythetic stock, auto stokers...

DonT

[VanL6]

How much did you pay for that model 12 Don?

I have one ser# 856xxx. My forend and butt are checkered. It has a 28" barrel and a ventilated rib. Tonight, I am going trap shooting with my other model 12. It is a serial # 1475xxx. It has a 30" barrel, ventilated rib, full choke, checkered forend and butt.

[DonT]

VanL6,

Well the dealer had a $300 price tag on it and we agreed it would be better if it went home with me at $250 rather than take up valuable space in his rack at $300.

If figured that I wouldn't get hurt at that price and that it was gonna do nothin but go up in value over time.

DonT