Come on guys. I'm almost 60, but do not see what is getting people all concerned over modifying a model 12.
I guess with all of the concern I thought these model 12's might have suddenly become highly priced rare guns.
Went down to my local gun shop and they have 4 for sale. 2 16's and 2 12's. Priced from $289.00 to $389.00. All seemed like pretty decent guns.
For the price of they are asking for the new high tech autos and pumps, why not spend $300.00 do a few upgrades, pretty it up and still have a heck of a gun for less than a new gun.
With 2 million model 12's made not all can be collectors.
Also don't forget it was not too long ago we were taking what is now referred to Muscle cars and modifying them.
If some of the young guys that will soon be carrying on our traditions of shooting, hunting, and support of our 2nd amendment want to play a little why not?
I'm sure more than a few Mauser's and Springfield's were upgraded by some of us when we could pick them up for a fair price.
Relax and welcome to the future, that's my position.
I assume your position, kind sir. Midget point of correction, aprox 1,964,285 Model 12's made from 1912 through 1964-with the tacit caveat that from 1912 to 1919 they were the Model 1912-all gauges (20 first in 1912- 16 and 12 gauges added in 1914, 3" Magnum in 1936, 28 gauge in 1937- the "midget M12- aka the M42 in .410 bore is not included in this numerical calculation- this also includes the riot and guard models- but NOT the M12 Featherweight and the cloned M25-non-take down series-Ref. Dave Petzal's article in May/June 1984 Sporting Classics- of all the field grade Model 12's made from 1914 through 1964, the greatest % were in 12 gauge- and the greatest % of those were in the 30" full choked plain barrel version- Jim Carmichael had a theory about this- as during the Depression years-1929-1939, when the field grade M12 had a fair trade retail price of $39.95, the main reason the 30" barrel in 12 gauge outsold the 28" barrel version was simple hard-scrabble farmer economics- you got 2 inches more steel with the 30" barrel at the same price as with the shorter 28" length- go figure.
