Thanks for the replies. I didn't realize the magnum 12 was introduced that late in the run. Its good to know that they left the factory in this configuration. It is well balanced and doesn't feel like 8 lb,2oz. Being built on the magnum 10 frame I had visions of massively thick chamber walls and barrels.
Tom, I was talking more about recoil than pressure, but all things being equal I would look for a load on the low side. Most of my shotguns are at least a few decades earlier than this so I'm used to thinking light. There is a small crack in one stock cheeks that needs attention before any heavy recoiling shells are shot in it. It looks to be carried a lot more than shot though. The bores are excellent and it locks up rock solid. One thing I haven't mentioned is that unfortunately a previous owner opened up the chokes. The gentleman I bought it from was very up front about someone having done that. What it gets used for will partly be dicated by the patterning board. According to Mr. Snyder's book there were only 87 magnum 12s made in all grades, and only 24 grade 2s. I don't want to damage it with shells of unknown pressures.
Does anyone know the serial number of the first magnum 12?
Last edited by NorthernBob; 06/19/13 09:59 AM.
