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Winchester Model 12 16 gauge shotguns differences

Jmoe131
Hello,

I am very interested in purchasing a field grade 16 gauge Winchester Model 12. I want to hunt small game and shoot trap and skeet with it. The two guns I am looking at are a 1924 Model 12 16 gauge with a 26" Modified choke barrel and a 1956 Model 12 16 gauge with a 28" modified choke barrel. I have a few questions if any one would offer their advise. The 1924 has a nickel steel barrel and has been rechambered to accept 2 3/4" shells. Most of the blueing is worn off of the 1924 model but the metal is in very good condition. The 1956 has Winchester proof steel and most of the blueing is still on the gun. Is there any advantage of having one gun over the other? Since the guns were made 32 years apart would one gun be made better than the other? Does the barrel length make a difference? The one thing I have been noticing is the 12 gauge Winchester Model 12's seem to have a smoother pumping action compared to the 16 and 20 gauge guns that I have looked at. Has anyone noticed this also? I had a Winchester 1200 when I was younger and I was very impressed how well the Model 12 16 gauge went up on my shoulder. That's the reason why I am looking at purchasing a Model 12 16 gauge. Any comments or advise will by greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    The 1956 vintage gun is the better choice of the two. It is worth more $$$ today, and it will go up in value at a much better rate in the future. The graded condition is superior to the 1924 gun.

    There really is no difference in the quality of the two guns, but the 1924 gun has been altered. Without knowing more about the alteration (more importantly who did it), it may not have been properly done. In addition to lengthening the chamber, the ejection port also has to be relieved (to allow the longer shell to clear properly).

    The barrel length is of no real consequence, as the choke is what determines the shot pattern. Both guns have a Modified choke, so in that respect they are equal.

    As far as the smoothness of the slide-action, that is individually different for every single gun that you pick up and try. No two are exactly alike, and those that have seen more use tend to be "slicker". Also, those that were better cared for tend to work more smoothly. There are a lot of variables that can affect how well the slide-action works, and none of them are related to the specific gauge.
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  • Jmoe131
    Bert,

    Thank you very much for your reply. I am trying to figure out what to buy. I found a nice 16 gauge and a nice 12 gauge. I have never shot a 16 or 20 gauge shotgun. How does the 16 gauge compare to the 12 gauge? Would one be better for what I want to use it for? Thank you.

    John
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  • Tailgunner1954
    quote:How does the 16 gauge compare to the 12 gauge? Would one be better for what I want to use it for?

    12ga ammo is easy to find
    12ga ammo is less expensive
    12ga target ammo is common
    12ga is a standard skeet/trap gauge
    12ga is versitle, with a large choice of ammo types available

    16ga is none of the above
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Tailgunner1954
    quote:How does the 16 gauge compare to the 12 gauge? Would one be better for what I want to use it for?

    12ga ammo is easy to find
    12ga ammo is less expensive
    12ga target ammo is common
    12ga is a standard skeet/trap gauge
    12ga is versitle, with a large choice of ammo types available

    16ga is none of the above


    Precisely correct[^]
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Jmoe131
    Bert,

    Thank you very much for your reply. I am trying to figure out what to buy. I found a nice 16 gauge and a nice 12 gauge. I have never shot a 16 or 20 gauge shotgun. How does the 16 gauge compare to the 12 gauge? Would one be better for what I want to use it for? Thank you.

    John


    You are quite welcome.

    My personal recommendation is to go with the 12 gauge. Keep in mind that Winchester did not design the Model 12 for steel-shot loaded shells. You must use lead-shot or a suitable substitute.
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  • Old hickory
    Yeah Bert but the 16 is 3/4 pound lighter and handles like a 20. They really are a joy to carry - yes, but if you're a 16 guy you have to accept reloading with a nice Mec and always be alert for compression formed, Winchester shells to reload. Assuming equal condition and choke the 16 usually is worth $100 - $150 more nowadays.
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  • Jmoe131
    Hello,

    Thanks for the replies. I was leaning toward the 16 gauge because I just had shoulder surgery at the end of February. Since I have never shot a 16 or 20 gauge I was wondering how they compare to a my old Winchester 1200 12 gauge? Thank you.

    John
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  • burdz19
    quote:Originally posted by Old hickory
    Yeah Bert but the 16 is 3/4 pound lighter and handles like a 20. They really are a joy to carry - yes, but if you're a 16 guy you have to accept reloading with a nice Mec and always be alert for compression formed, Winchester shells to reload. Assuming equal condition and choke the 16 usually is worth $100 - $150 more nowadays.


    [img]http://usera.ImageCave.com/burdz19/Model 12s 002.JPG[/img]

    Any excuse to show off my babies. Jmoe, both 16 ga the top one is a 1919 the other a 1959.... IMHO buy both you are looking at! [:D] After shoulder surgery though, you might want to look at a semi-auto. Those old 12's are pretty and I even take them out to shoot skeet and sporting clays, but I can feel it the next few days.
    As far as ammo, at least around here I can still get it about $10-$12/box and reloading is always an option as Old Hickory pointed out. Barrel length makes a difference- swing depends on your comfort.

    Bert, are you sure on them both being MOD chokes? My 1919 is FULL and was under the impression that all the older field model nickel were full? Just asking please don't beat me up, I know you know a heck of a lot more than me, just trying to figure out how you deducted that it was MOD.


    Brian


    edit- not an expert but the Model 12 16ga is one I can give a semi-educated opinion on [:)]
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  • Winchester 1912
    Jmoe, I have all three. The 12 gauge, I grew up shooting. Now that I'm older, I like the 16, it's great to carry, but yes, ammo can sometimes be harder to find. Now, the 20 gauge Winchester model 12 is absolutely the sweetest handling, quickest pointing and most well balanced shotgun I have ever known. It's as simple as that.

    -Mitch
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  • GuvamintCheese
    quote:Originally posted by Winchester 1912
    Jmoe, I have all three. The 12 gauge, I grew up shooting. Now that I'm older, I like the 16, it's great to carry, but yes, ammo can sometimes be harder to find. Now, the 20 gauge Winchester model 12 is absolutely the sweetest handling, quickest pointing and most well balanced shotgun I have ever known. It's as simple as that.

    -Mitch
    Here's a 20 I just dont have the heart to put together.

    IMG_1500.jpg
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by burdz19
    Bert, are you sure on them both being MOD chokes? My 1919 is FULL and was under the impression that all the older field model nickel were full? Just asking please don't beat me up, I know you know a heck of a lot more than me, just trying to figure out how you deducted that it was MOD.


    Brian


    edit- not an expert but the Model 12 16ga is one I can give a semi-educated opinion on [:)]


    Take a close look at the first post in this topic string... Jmoe131 stated that both guns have a Modified choke. And yes, Nickel Steel barreled guns were made with MOD chokes, though not real common.
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