Did I miss anything? Any other pearls of gun counter wisdom concerning the pump gun?
Yeah, a lot of bullshit gets thrown around about the pump action shotgun. There is quite a debate about whether or not the shotgun is dead for CQB. I will say that even if the shotgun is being eclipsed by the 11.5 inch Mk18 style carbine for CQB, it's still most handy for breaching. And also, it is most handy when JAG/ROE mandates a number of less lethal options. But that is all about the tactical application of the venerable pump action 12 gauge shotgun. I want to talk about the shotgun,as imagine by John Browning and T.C. Johnson.
So, after Uncle Gaylon's funeral, I stopped by the hometown pawn and gun. And there on the rack was a nearly mint condition Model 12, 1963 production. 12 gauge, modified choke. The bluing was good. The wood was good. I had to have it.
I've always wanted a Model 12. I've never been able to find one that wasn't bastardized by some shade tree gunsmith or wasn't either a Skeet or Heavy Duck in tip top shape with corresponding price tag. I nearly bought a beat to hell Model 25 before my Old Man talked me out of it.
The Model 12 was billed as the world's perfect repeater. And man, they weren't lying. You can throw that slide pretty damn quick.
As a kid, I read all the WEB Griffin books I could get my hands on. In "The Corps" series, an old Marine general mentions that he's always squared when he goes trap shooting. Because he shoots his Model 12 far better than the Fox A Grade his wife bought him.
After my intial try at five stand with said gun, I can see why. When my good friend Pudge gets back from the Sandbox, I can't wait to take it wing shooting in Kansas.
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| Blue steel and Walnut. Doesn't get any better. |
I just can't get over how good the gun looks for being 55 years old. It looks really good haning on the wall, too.
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| Bluing is real good. |
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| Don't see that roll mark anymore |
Cost was a major factor in the discontinuation of the gun in 1964. As an aside, 1964 ranks right up there with 1934 and 1986 as like the worst year for the American gun owner. A slew of poor imitations followed from New Haven. The 120 and the 1200. The 120 was utter garbage. The 1200 wasn't terrible; but, nowhere near as good. At all.
They work. Period, end of statement. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt even made me look like I was competent at five stand.
DeleteI completely agree with Mack on the way it makes you feel wing shooting. Definitely something to be said by busting clays or game hunting with the beautiful pawn shop shotgun find especially one such as this. This reminds me of how I began hunting, once a year the old farmer family friends came out opening day and shot more pheasant and quail with their hand me down guns than any fancy stand guns. And Mack, good attempt on a beauty close to my 1900 Winchester 1897!
ReplyDeleteMine isn't near as pristine, but it is a Heavy Duck: https://mcthag.blogspot.com/2016/07/shotgun-news.html
ReplyDeleteI'd like a heavy duck simply because I enjoy duck hunting. And my 37 Featherweight can't shoot 3" shells. Not that you particulary need them, but it can be hard to find 2 3/4" steel
DeleteI thought it was the President that said that. And it was in the other series. The one with Felter and Lowell.
ReplyDeleteBut it has been a LONG time since I read those.
Sandy and the President shoot, yes. I recall Sandy liking the Model 12 too but not wanting to beat the President. I was talking about Flem in "The Corps"
DeleteI thought the Winchester comment came from Sandy Felter but I'm getting old. In any case, it gives me a reason to re-read the books over Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSandy didn't want to shoot better than the President. Flem, the General from "The Corps" series was the one befuddled by his excess of nice guns.
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