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January 15, 2026
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Hi fellas, just found this forum today, I inherited a Model 12, 16 gauge Nickel Steel and was wondering if I could get some information on it and maybe a value? Serial #303598
I live in Central Ohio, this came from Northern Michigan (not the U.P.).
Looks like it was manufactured in 1921 ???
Stock seems to be glossy, a crack on one side. Forearm seems to be flat so maybe one or the other was replaced?
I don’t know if it would be safe to shoot or what type of shells I would need to use?
Thanks for any help.
First post so I can’t attach pictures?
Dave
April 15, 2005
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Dave,
It was manufactured in late December 1921. It is not safe to shoot it with modern 16-ga shells. At the time it was manfuactured Winchester was still chambering the 16-gauge guns for a 2-9/16″ maximum length shell. It not until 1926 that the chamber length for the 20 & 16 gauge guns was increased to 2-3/4″.
Based on your description, the gun is not in collector grade condition, and due to the short chamber, it does not have any value as a “shooter” grade gun. Accordingly, the value is rather minimal.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 15, 2026
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Thanks Bert, you’re the best!
So hang it on the wall and admire it for what it is, huh? lol.
April 15, 2005
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Dave S said
Thanks Bert, you’re the best!
So hang it on the wall and admire it for what it is, huh? lol.
Yes, it is a wall-hanger (or a parts gun). I forget to mention, Nickel Steel barrels are not tolerant of Steel shot shell loads.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Dave S said
Thanks Bert, you’re the best!
So hang it on the wall and admire it for what it is, huh? lol.
Not necessarily. Learn to re load it. Cut the shells to the proper length, use light loads with lead.
September 19, 2014
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If you don’t want to reload, Game Bore is imported by various businesses. 2 and a half inch, 1200 fps, 1 oz of lead. A flat of 10 boxes is listed at $189 plus shipping. Not cheap, but in the same area of current 28 ga shells. I would learn to reload however, like Chuck said. Tim
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