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I saw a reference in print recently regarding there being a 1st Model Field Grade stock (with a flat grip face taking a grip cap) and a 2nd Model Field Grade stock (no grip cap and the grip face merged into the under belly of the stock). Does anyone know when this change in Model 12 stock designs took place? Just curious. Thanks!
Clint,
To the best of my knowledge, there were not ever any grip caps installed on Field grade Model 1912 shotguns. The early catalogs do not show it, and Dave Riffle has no reference to grip caps in his reference book on the Model 12.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hiya Bert,
Thanks for the reply, sir! I am still learning, and I see now that I asked a pretty dumb question, not being that conversant with respect to Model 12 stock configurations. I am not sure now, but the references I read may have been regarding an after market Model 12 stock style (maybe Fajens), and not a Winchester factory stock at all. The reference simply mentioned and showed what was called a 2nd Model field grade stock, in the photo for which the grip face merged into the stock’s under belly. The nose of the comb did not protrude much above the top of the wrist and looked sharper in profile, not gently rounded like other factory stocks I am familiar with. The flutes were not like those other factory stocks I’ve seen either, they were narrower (top to bottom) and shallower. This implies to me that somewhere along the line there was a 1st Model Field grade stock by the same maker (whoever that was).
So, I guess my question has become- Were there ever Winchester factory 1st and 2nd Model Field grade stocks for Model 12s, and if so, when did the change take place. Now, if there never was such an animal as a 2nd Model Winchester Field grade stock for a Model 12, then the reference was likely to an after market stock of some kind, and I beg your pardon for taking up your time. Thanks though!
Clint
Clint,
The “First” style Field grade butt stock was used from August 1912 to early 1935. The “Second” style Field grade butt stock was introduced in 1935, with new dimensions… but still no grip cap.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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