Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade, Blue 30″ 12 GA Solid Rib Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1959 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: 180918JR34

Make: Winchester

Model: 12, Pigeon Grade

Serial Number: 1731518

Year of Manufacture: 1959 (“The Winchester Model Twelve 1 of 1000”, Madis, P161)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Takedown Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “-MODEL 12-16GA.-2 3/4 CHAM.- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / IMP.-MOD.”. An oval “WP” proof is marked on the top-rear of the barrel to the left of the rib and on the top-front of the receiver. The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, the underside of the extension also has an engraved pigeon.

Barrel Length: 30”, Solid Rib

Choke: Marked Improved Modified, Our Gauge Measures Improved Cylinder

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the ventilated rib. The top of the rib and receiver are serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece deluxe checkered walnut set with factory 12-A style carving (Madis, P75). The slide handle is extended, the grip has a steel cap, and the butt has a solid black rubber buttpad on a Morgan adjustable buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light scratches, the most notable at the left of the wrist in the checkering and the checkering is slightly smoothed from handling. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 3/4″ to the back of the wood. The pad is still supple, showing little in the way of wear, in about Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. The barrel has a few scattered light marks. The magazine tube, action bars, bolt and lifter show light operational wear. The receiver and barrel extension have some light finish wear at the top-right and the receiver has a few other scattered light marks. The screw heads are sharp except for the trigger guard screw which is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Model 1912 (shortened to Model 12 in 1919) was the next step from the Winchester Model 1897 hammer-fired shotgun, which in turn had evolved from the earlier Winchester Model 1893 shotgun. The Model 12 was designed by Winchester engineer T.C. Johnson, and was based in part on the M1893/97 design by John M. Browning, in that it used a sliding forearm or “pump action” to cycle the mechanism. This example is a Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun, with 30″ solid-rib barrel choked Improved Cylinder. While many of the Pigeon Grade guns had engraving, this example is one of those without, with the high polish, jeweled bolt and lifter and carved deluxe stocks but no engraving. Produced in 1959, this shotgun is from the middle of the post-war production of the original model 12 guns. It is in Very Good-plus condition with wear consistent with responsible use, likely more at the trap range than in the field. Model 12s tend to be collectible in general, but Pigeon Grades even more. If the Winchester collectors pass this by, it would also make a great trap gun that will turn some heads at the range. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun can be transferred in California.