HotGuns

Yep, modified is a good all around choke for most hunting. Lots of old shotguns are choked with it. There was a reason for that. For hunting rabbits or squirrels too much choke could put too many pellets on target if it was up close and make them hard to eat due to the pellets in the meat.

Nowadays, as popular as the interchangable chokes are, its hard to find a shotgun with a hard choke in it.

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AR. CHL Instr.

To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

sgtD

Shooting sheet. Now that's funny.

Sounds like a great idea. I bet they are easier to hit than skeet.

You could even have separate classes for shooters of different skill levels. King, queen, double, twin.

seriously though, it would be easier and probably cheaper just to get another gun and save the model 12.

As far as steel shot for waterfowling, the model 12 aint made for it, but there are other non-toxic shot types on the market that are safe to use in older guns that can't shoot steel. Bismuth is one that comes to mind.

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When you've got 'em by the balls, their hearts & minds will follow. Semper Fi.

bmcgilvray

Since I'm a neanderthal I still use a Winchester Model 12, 12 gauge and have for most of my life. Just had a mess of doves for supper last night that were taken with mine. My Model 12 sees serious hunting use year in, year out.

This is the second Model 12 I've owned and used. It's a Skeet (sheet?) Grade gun with the scarce factory option Cutts Compensator fitted barrel that uses screw-in chokes. It was special ordered from Winchester by a friend of mine in 1941. The Cutts works well for reducing recoil, though it amplifies the report. It is also ugly as all get out. Though it is a scarce factory option I'd prefer the gun to be without it. It is practical and makes for a great dove and duck gun. It's good on the skeet range and I've used this Model 12 some for shooting in local skeet leagues, just for fun. No one would now consider a pump shot gun for serious skeet competition.

The Model 12 is as smooth and slick as it's reputation suggests and is quite durable. I shot a used, worn out clunk for 15 years, that gun seeing heavy field use for doves and especially ducks. In his old age my friend offered this gun to me and I replaced my first Model 12 with it. Have been using it for about 15 years now.

I really like the 12 gauge 2 3/4-inch shell best of all and am pleased with the wide range of loadings available for it. I keep a 10 gauge magnum around just for fun but seriously don't have any use for it or the 3-inch magnum or 3 1/2-inch magnum 12 gauge guns. I've not goose hunted but have never found anything that failed to be brought to bag when I turned my 2 3/4-inch 12 gauge guns on it.

Ducks used to fall readily to lead shot flung at them using Remington Express or Winchester Super-X 2 3/4-inch shells. The 3-inch Magnum 12 gauge shell never seemed necessary to me. I almost quit the sport when steel shot came along. For me the use of bismuth approximates the results I experienced with lead shot and saved the sport for me. I utterly loathe the lead shot ban! It is disrespectful to the quarry to to use steel shot in my view, speaking as a now old geezerly duck hunter who used lead way back before the ban.

If your gun is choked modified I'd be tickled pink with it as is and would use it happily if it was mine. My first Model 12 was customized with a ugly Poly-Choke when I bought it. This accessory may not look attractive but did work as advertised and greatly increased the utility of the shotgun. You might just want to shoot the shotgun as is and keep an eye peeled for a cheap Model 12 barrel that has been fitted with an after-market Poly Choke. Such a barrel would have no collector appeal and could be had inexpensively. You could either use such a barrel as is or whack the blamed thing off and have screw-in chokes fitted.

bmcgilvray

"Skeet ready.
Weak for trap.
Ok for turkey hunting (but a full or turkey choke should be used).
Just OK for SD
Ok for rabbit (but improved would be better)."



In my view:

Your modified choke is a bit tight for skeet but would do. You wouldn't loose too many targets.

Modified's a bit open for trap but would do nicely if you get on the target rapidly.

Bet you can kill the hooey out of turkeys with the modified choke.

The modified choke is less important than is the overall length of the shogun for self defense. I imagine your Model 12 is likely a 28-inch gun, a bit unwieldy for household use. Not a deal breaker though and I'd feel good holding a Model 12 bird gun in my hands to repel boarders. They'd have a lot more to be concerned about than I would.

I'd probably choose modified for rabbits.

Thanis

I really like my father's model 12 that he gave me, and when I pass it down, I want it to mean more to his grandchildren.

I think I'll hit the gun shows and look for a model 12 customized barrel with the "...ugly Poly-Choke."

Still have to think about it. Don't want to be outclasses by my wife's new shotgun, but maybe it is best for her to have the edge at skeet / trap. Just wish I could get her to turkey hunt. :)

Very happy I did the thread. Always looking for more thoughts. Thank you everyone.