Winchester Heavy Duck Model 12

chambered221 · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:59 pm Post subject: Winchester Heavy Duck Model 12

Trying to find info on the type of ribs that were used on Heavy Duck Model 12's

To my understanding Winchester used 3 different styles.

Seems to be alot of confussion centered around the Simmons ribs !!!

Would anyone like to share their knowledge ???

whittling

No clue ,but a M-12 is a very good gun.

ElyBoy

Are you sure that the Heavy Duck even had a rib.

The only Model 12 that I have seen with a rib was my Trap Model 12.

Eric

chambered221

Eric, Heavy Ducks could be had with solid ribs and vent ribs.

The vent rib is were all the confussion comes in.
Simons had a role in this. They were contracted by Winchester to put some of them on.
Then there's the donut rib. I don't know if this is a Simons, Winchester or some other company.

The placement of the proof marks are the key to factory originals.
Alot of guns have been passed off as factory originals when in fact they are fakes !!!

whittling

The vent rib the only one I've ever seen

chambered221

whittling,

As Eric has stated most model 12's didn't even come with ribs. The exception to this is the trap and skeet models.
What you have seen is somewhat rare or is not factory original.

About 10 years ago vent ribbed 16 and 20 ga. guns could be found rather easily. The funny thing about it was the blueing on these guns. No ware with a bright deep blue. Anyone who's been around model 12's know that they were dull and the edges usually wore down to bare metal.

I've come across a heavy duck and a 20 ga. that intrest me thats why I'm trying to gain some info.

I've tried internet searches on the rib issue to no avail.
I know we have alot of Winchester guys here but it's aparent that they are more 30/30 guys than anything.

I guess I'm gonna have to spend a few bucks and buy a old fassion book !!! Shocked

ElyBoy

Gander has a Model 12 that is priced very nicely, but doesn't have a vent rib.

I can't shoot worth a darn with just a plain barrel so I'm passing on it.

I looks like the price of the old Model 12 is pretty good these days.

Eric

Vince

chambered221...found this website on the net and the first pic that comes up shows a Mod 12 with a rib. Don't know the exact model, but if nothing else mate, there is bound to be someone on this website that can give you the info you seek.

Winchester Collector Model 12

The Winchester Collector wrote:

The Heavy Duck Gun was introduced in 1935 and was chambered for the 3” magnum 12 gauge only. All model 12s of this era had Nickel Steel barrels, except the ones with Stainless Steel barrels. 30” and 32” barrels were offered until around 1948 when the 32” barrels were discontinued. These 3” magnums were also offered as Trap guns and Pigeon Grade guns. Special features may include barrels with solid rib, or ventilated rib.

Cheers, Vince

chambered221

thanks mate, I did see that site in my search but its a pay site I do not wish to join.

I have a friend that knows someone that is apart of a Winchester collectors group. I'm going to try and talk to him about it. If that fails I'll buy the old fassion book !!!