Winchester model 12 heavy duck

[Tf44]

Hey all, I recently picked up this 1947 winchester model 12 heavy duck. From what I've been able to dig up online, it should have the red winchester but pad. Can anyone tell me if this thing has the correct stocks on it? I read somewhere that the Pachmair white line pad was an option, but I thought that was only on later guns. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Macintosh]

Id be really surprised if that were the original pad. Most of the m12’s Ive seen came with a bakelite or plastic butt plate. That model might have come with a pad, but I doubt that one. The stocks look plausible for the vintage, but Im no winchester expert. You can get a reproduction red pad from csmc if you want.

 

[Weldor]

Quick Google search Pachmayr had a contract with Olin in 1959? The 2 model 12's I have , the recoil pads are red. One is from the 30's the late 40's.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

I don't think the pad is original, especially with the pronounced lip in the fitting. Every model 12 I've ever seen has had its pad fit near perfectly flush with the stock.

Lumber looks (to me) original. Field level 12's were never known to have premium walnut but always good. The lettering on the barrel stamp is so crisp for an almost 80yr old gun it's either been re-blued or you have a 80yr old-almost-safe queen.

Only knock i'd give it is it doesn't have the solid rib some of these had (not sure what ratio had ribs vs smooth?), otherwise it's nearly perfect (minus the buttpad, which is to be expected...... rubber wears out).

 

[Blockcaver]

Nice old M12! Doubt the forend is original…it looks like an unchecked aftermarket version to me, resembles a deluxe grade in shape but they were checkered. Basic Field models had grooved rings perpendicular to the pumping direction.

They originally had a red rubber pad on the 3” gun and LOP (length of pull) was 13-3/4”. Most pads got hard when they aged and shooters replaced them. Could be what happened to yours? The pad would fit a bit longer stock better.

 

[Tf44]

The gun shows some blueing loss under the front of the reciever from being carried, but everything is good and tight and I don't think it's been shot much. The stocks are in good shape, but they seem suspect to me. I picked it up knowing it was a 3 inch gun but assumed it was much later. After running the serial number and figuring out it's actual age I started to question what's original and what's been replaced in the last 80 years.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

Blockcaver isn't wrong, most of the higher grades with that shape had checkering but this wouldn't be the first smooth I've seen. That said the other could have been aftermarketed parts also.

If the forend isn't original the stock likely isn't either as I don't ever recall one with a checkered forend and not a checkered stock. Looking closer the grip doesn't cut back into the stock, making a "dimple" in the wood right behind the tang, behind the pistol-grip like most I've seen also. Regardless for a working gun with a ton of nostalgia it's a great find assuming you didn't over pay. You may be able to even find period specific replacements online or at shows. Friend did this with a m12 20ga that had a rib.....

 

[yfarm]

Heavy ducks with the 3” chamber came with the recoil pad. My father was in the Navy in the late 50s stationed in the Philipines, had a marine gunny measure him and special order a Winchester model 50. Came with a red recoil pad with the Winchester name molded in the pad. No question your pad was a change from the original. Agree the forearm is a replacement. The 50 is in my safe, original recoil pad, blueing pretty much gone from the receiver, zero rust. He used that gun for 50 yrs despite my giving him a superposed for his birthday when he was in his 50s.

 

[KClark]

Unmolested Heavy Duck from 1954. The swollen lump on the heel of the recoil pad is from standing on a hard surface.

Belonged to the father of an older friend of mine. Survived a house fire but came out with some staining.

 

[cacklercrazy]

Nice old M12! Doubt the forend is original…it looks like an unchecked aftermarket version to me, resembles a deluxe grade in shape but they were checkered. Basic Field models had grooved rings perpendicular to the pumping direction.

They originally had a red rubber pad on the 3” gun and LOP (length of pull) was 13-3/4”. Most pads got hard when they aged and shooters replaced them. Could be what happened to yours? The pad would fit a bit longer stock better.

I agree

 

[Macintosh]

Ive seen people use some sort of dye to “age” a new pad so it doesnt look hideous on a older gun with patina, but I dont know what they use.

Reproduction Winchester Recoil Pad

This is a reproduction recoil pad. It is nearly an exact replica of the original solid red rubber Winchester recoil pad, with the exception of the spacing on the date, "June 6, 1922." The pad dimensions are 1-7/8" wide by 5-1/2" long. The hole spacing is 3". Each pad includes two rubber filler...

pre64win.com

 

[Tf44]

I'll pull the pad off and check to see if it has the lead that winchester added to the but stocks of the heavy duck guns. That should give me a good indication if it's the factory stock. I'll also keep my eyes open for the correct pump handle. I'm a little torn on putting the aftermarket pad on it. I agree that a new pad on an old work horse will just look out of place.

 

[Tf44]

It looks great next to my 1919 model 1912. A previous owner sanded down the lower rear part of its but stock so it would fit in an old leather breakdown case.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a M-12 Duck Gun that my Dad gave me for my 15th birthday in 1956. Doubt if the wood is original, the forend is definately not. The recoil pad on mine started falling apart after it was about 25 years old. I only shoot trap with mine today. I would not shoot steel shot in it just because of the potential for barrel damage. I know the barrel on this gun is a lot heavier that a standard model, but if you insist, I would put screw in chokes in the barrel.

 

[Macintosh]

I would put screw in chokes in the barrel

GAAHHH!! Dont do this. Thats like hanging a photo of ron jeremy in a pink tutu inside your gun safe…its just not a good idea.

Just shoot bismuth if you need nontox.

 

[Tf44]

I have no plans to but butcher anything up. If anything I'll pick up an extra barrel with a modified or adjustable choke and see if I can get it fit up properly.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Extra barrel assembly ....difficult to find & pretty spendy!

 

[Tf44]

I'm patient and have no problem waiting for a good deal. I picked up an old winchester model 1901 with a bent barrel and looked for 10 years before I found a clean original replacement. Now it's a fun gun to chase pheasants with.

 

[Davyalabama]

As long as the guts are fine and working and the barrel is true, it's still a model 12. That's a fine gun to shoot.

30" full --- shoot lead through it and be done ----- You want to shoot steel and this other newer stuff, buy something a little newer -- 11-87 - new A5 -- Beretta 301,302 ---- all of these are still nostalgia -- funny to think the 11-87 and the 301,302 as nostalgia pieces.