winchester m 12 12ga

[flatheader]

i have this model 12 winchester that i bought years ago and am tring to determine if it is worth keeping for collector value. winchester says it was made 1921, based on ser. #. it has a solid rib and is finished in nikel steel, no rust or barrel bell. any help would be appreciated. thanx

[etothepii]

I have a model 12 in 16 ga. which I will keep forever for sentimental value ... it was my grandfather's. From what little research I did about model 12's, I know that there are a ton of them. They were produced from 1912 to the 1960's. However, the earlier the model, the more valuable it may be. Try to find out how many 12 guages were made in and around 1921 with the same features as your own. If it's relatively rare, and the condition is good, I'd keep it. If not, and you won't use it, and you're not attached to it, you might as well sell it and use the money for something new and interesting.

[flatheader]

i know what you mean about family guns, i have my fathers model 12 and some of his other firearmms, they all sit in a speacial rack and will go to my son probly, this model 12 was a speculative purchase and i am not sure how long it will be worth keeping, wish it was a 16 ga., they seem a bit more rare. but when they get as old as this one is i am a bit more lost in determining what is very good or what is average condition, still looking for sage advise guys. thanx

[bluechablis]

Spose what Ya mean is the barrel is marked "nickle steel" or "nickle steel barrel"

I have a long, plain barrel, full choke, 12g of about the same vintage. When I bought her the bluing wasen't even worn off the mag tube. From 1969 'till steel shot, she was a lightning bolt in the marsh. M12s seemed to drop in price after steel but now with softer nontox shot Ya are starting to see them in the marsh again. The solid ribs are fairly rare and the gun will tell Ya stories, if Ya listen. I sure wouldn't sell her, you wouldn't get enough to buy anything near the quality or Karma of the 12. I wouldn't let mine go for any price.

Hold an old worn Morgan silver dollar in your hand, sure Ya can get $20 for it , but Ya cant buy the history at any price.