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Another Nickel Steel Mod 12 ?

mulletguter53
I just picked up a Nickel Steel Mod 12 30in barr Ser#530xxx good cond. . I heard that the SS 12s were rare but I can't find any Info On the Nickel Steel . Do they have more value than the standard Mod 12. Thanks
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  • only winchesters
    Good evening mullet: When Winchester came out with the Md 1912, which became the Md 12 by 1919, they had Nickel Steel barrels. These barrels were used until 1931, when they went to "Winchester Proof Steel" barrels, which they stayed with until 1980 when production stopped. There was a short time span from 1926-1931, you could order a Md 12 with a Stainless Steel barrel. From time to time I'll see a Md 12 with a Nickel Steel barrel or Stainless Steel barrel, outside of the years they were actually used. Winchester didn't control inventory very well, meaning first in, wasn't always first out. You also run into Md 12's that have had barrels swapped out. Meaning a gun made in the 50s with a Nickle Steel barrel, or a 1920 gun with a Winchester Proof Steel. This usually means the guns original barrel was damaged and replaced with a used barrel,(Nickel steel on a 50's gun) or a new or used Proof Steel barrel on a 1920's gun. People who bought Md 12's with Stainless steel barrels were unhappy with them becuase they soon lost there blue finish and the bright stainless showed. Duck hunters hated this. Stainless Steel barrels were not blued. (would not accept a blue) they actually had a thin color coat put on them.

    As far as value goes:
    1)Stainless Steel Md 12's are the most sought after
    2)Nickel Steel guns
    3)Winchester Proof Steel Pre-war
    4)Post war guns
    With all things being equal, same grade, same condition, same choke, SS guns bring the most, followed by Nickel Steel, Pre-war, Post war. From what I've seen Nickel Steel guns generally will bring 10-25% more than a post war gun in the same condition. It's a sellers market on SS.
    Hope this helps you. Regards dave
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  • mulletguter53
    Dave Thanks for the Info.
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  • only winchesters
    Mullet: Your welcome! You didn't tell us what grade of Nickle Steel gun you picked up! Just curious as to the condition too! Lately I've seen quite a few early guns show up on the market. From 99% down to 20%. The real nice ones have been in someones collection for a long time, and are usually part of an estate settlement. Just curious.
    Regards Dave
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