Got an opportunity, recently, to take possession of my late uncle's Model 12 in 16 gauge.
The 550K-ish SN puts it as a 1928 production year piece. It is in, overall, REALLY nice cosmetic condition. Have yet to check it out for function and firing. But, it appears to be all there.
I'd like to return it to an original-style butt plate. It behooves me as to why such a nimble little gun would be choked "full", though ?? IMO...... this gun was born to be an IC. Or at the VERY tightest, modified. BUT........ as such...... I'm nearly obligated to toss a couple purple rounds in it and go out back to the patterning range.
It just may be that this one will have to get dragged around the turkey woods a day or two next spring.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53823581091_561d78376e_c.jpg)
Beautiful shotgun, I would leave it just like it is ....
I agree with Greg, I would have to leave it like it is. It actually looks like it has been well taken care of to be as old as it is.
That's an ultra-cool shotgun, Don. Some of us have a weakness for old-timey pumps with corncob style forends (!).
An original style buttplate would be optimal but chances are it came factory with a curved buttplate with the stock altered at a later date to accept an aftermarket pad (which appears in the photo to be ill-fit), so refitting an original style buttplate wouldn't be practical. I would consider going with something like this, professionally fitted, to keep things more period correct: https://connecticutshotgun.co/winchester-patent-date-style-recoil-pad/
Instead of altering the choke, you might try these if you want to use the gun for quail/grouse, etc.: https://polywad.com/spred-r-1
Congrats Don. I think the 16 gauge is very underutilized in the turkey arena. It's a nice sub-gauge choice that produces very effective patterns and ballistic results. Great looking gun, best of luck with it...
Quote from: Bill on July 01, 2024, 11:44:17 AMI would consider going with something like this, professionally fitted, to keep things more period correct: https://connecticutshotgun.co/winchester-patent-date-style-recoil-pad/
Instead of altering the choke, you might try these if you want to use the gun for quail/grouse, etc.: https://polywad.com/spred-r-1
Yeah. I put a CSMC red pad on a Model 21 I have. Period correct. But hard to make that orange rubber look 90 years old.
The choke....even though I don't like it.... will stay as-is.
You don't see many of these, especially in this good of condition, Thanks for sharing