It occurs to me that everytime someone converts a 2 1/2 inch chambered 20-gauge Model 12 or a 2 9/16 inch 16-gauge Model 12 to handle 2 3/4 inch shells that is one less for collectors. The day will come when an unmolested original short chambered Model 12 will bring a premium. Maybe it is already here.
A serial number in the 1,500,xxx range would put one into 1953 and 4. The 16-gauge 30-inch modified choke barrel hadn't been listed since about 1946. Also, the fatter flat-bottomed Field Grade forearm was added to the Model 12 Field Grades in 1947, so that is the style forearm a 1953 or 4 gun should have.
Last edited by Researcher; 12/19/06 02:53 PM.
