Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun 1969 Blue 26″ Vent-Rib Pump Action Shotgun, 12 Gauge

SOLD FOR: $4,234.00
LSB#: 
180918JR33

Make: Winchester

Model: 12, Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun

Serial Number: 1966725

Year of Manufacture: 1969 (“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. / NEW HAVEN, CONN.”, “-MODEL 12-16GA.-2 3/4 CHAM.- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / WS-1”. 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 to the left of the rib extension. The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, the underside of the extension also has an engraved pigeon. The left and right of the receiver have factory 12-1A pattern engraving (Madis, P119).

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Fixed Skeet 1

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the ventilated rib. There is a base for a mid-bead which appears to have broken off. The top of the rib is serrated and the top of the receiver matte-finished 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 gold-colored cap, and the butt has a ventilated orange rubber Winchester recoil pad. The stocks have only a few scattered light marks and scuffs, the most notable at the left- and bottom-rear of the slide handle. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has hardened slightly with age but shows little in the way of wear, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: At first, the gun seems like it could be original. The receiver proof is shallow, nearly incomplete, but all other markings are clear including engraving. This serial number is in the right range for a “parts clean-up” gun, and the proof may have been applied to the receiver before it was designated for a Pigeon Grade and engraved. We suspect that this guns has had a high quality restoration.

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a spot of light discoloration on the left under the 2nd rib pylon from the muzzle with similar discoloration under the rib. Not noticeable in normal lighting, under intense light or flash, there is some light wear at the bottom-left of the receiver at the barrel extension and the barrel extension at the same location. The magazine tube, action bars, bolt and lifter have faint operational wear. The receiver has only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear with the exception of the receiver proof which is shallow, nearly incomplete. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition as likely restored.

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 26″ vent-rib barrel choked Skeet 1, beautiful engraving on the metal and carving in the deluxe walnut stocks. Produced in 1969, this shotgun is from the tail-end of the original model 12 guns. It is in Fine-Excellent condition with a spot of slight discoloration in the barrel and very faint wear in the stocks and appearing to have had a high-quality restoration. Model 12s tend to be collectible in general, Skeet Guns moreso and Pigeon Grades even more. We suspect that a Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun is going to set the Winchester collectors’ mouths watering, especially one in this high condition. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This shotgun can be transferred in California.

Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun 1969 Blue 26" Vent-Rib Pump Action Shotgun, 12 Gauge
Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade Skeet Gun 1969
Blue 26″ Vent-Rib Pump Action Shotgun, 12 Gauge