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Model 12 "L" Prefix Ser # ?

match
I can not find any reference to an "L" prefix ser. #
on model 12 shotguns. I found one in the local pawn shop
16 Ga., 26" Full barrel, with ser # L136xxx. Is there anything
special about the L? Thanks.
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Comments

3 comments

Date Votes
  • only winchesters
    Good morning match, welcome to the forum! Well you are seeing the infamous 1 ! The stamp that Winchester used is "Flat" meaning it has no curvature, and the surface they stamped is curved, (radiused). So what you see is what appears to be an "L" What happens is the leg of the one is faint or not present on the begining edge. Also another cause, is when a Md 12 is reblued, it doesn't take much polishing to remove that leeding edge of the 1 to get the "L" appearance. The best way to check for reblue is to remove the barrel assy. and look at the barrel chamber ring, it should be "in the white", not blued. and the face of the receiver should be "white" also, Winchester polished the blue off. Hope this helps you. (I have a few "L's" myself![:D] Regards Dave

    Also a 26 in. Full choke is kind of rare in a post war gun. The vast majority were 28 in. and there were a few 30 in. which is rarer than the 26 in. full choke barrel.
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  • match
    They are asking 350 for the gun. It is probably an
    honest 85% with blueing wear at the edges of the
    receiver. The blue on the barrel looks pretty good.
    It does not have a rib, and has a red rubber recoil
    pad installed that does not fit very well (tapered down
    to fit the stock contour, not sure of the brand of pad,
    looks to be as old as the gun). Is this a decent deal?
    Thanks.
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  • only winchesters
    Hello match: Well on the "surface" it sounds good. Meaning I don't know how much sales tax and or any other fees that may be required. According to "Riffle" this gun was made in 1948, so it falls under the 50yr rule, meaning if a background check is required in your state, as soon as that is complete you should be able to get the gun. Pawn shops are usually pretty hungry for money, I think you can deal some here, I think if you have the cash you can get it for $20-$50 bucks less. Then add sales tax and any other fees. As far as the pad goes, you can get a reproduction Winchester pad, or an original if you look long enough, or the correct period pad, such as a Jostom or Hawkins, and have it installed. If you need more info, just email me by clicking on onlywinchesters to the left. Regards Dave
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