RARE Winchester Model 12 Skeet, 28 Gauge Solid Rib Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $8,500
LSB#: 190930BS02
Make: Winchester
Model: 12 Skeet
Serial Number: 747751
Year of Manufacture: 1937 (“The Winchester Model Twelve 1 of 1000”, Madis, P161)
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 7/8” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Takedown Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “MADE IN U.S.A. / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”, “2 7/8 CHAM. / MODEL 12 – 28 GA. / SKEET”. 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 in front of the sighting groove. The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number with the bottom of the receiver also marked “SKEET”, the bottom of the barrel extension and the magazine tube have engraved indexing arrows. The magazine bracket is marked “20” (20 ga brackets were used by Winchester for 28 ga guns), the magazine cutoff is marked “28”, as is the rear of the receiver lug.
Barrel Length: 26”, Solid Rib
Choke: Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a red bead in a base at the front of the solid rib and a smaller brass mid-bead. The top of the rib, and the sighting groove on the top of the receiver receiver are serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with extended slide handle, capped pistol grip, and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The slide handle has not notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The buttstock has four hairline cracks in the front edge of the wrist, two on each side. Otherwise, the buttstock shows only light handling marks. There is a small chip loss on the grip cap at the mounting screw. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition and would be easily Fine-Excellent but for the hairline cracks in the wrist.
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 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The magazine tube, action bar, bolt and lifter show light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine-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 Skeet Gun, with extended slide handle, capped grip stock and 26? solid-rib barrel choked Skeet. Produced in 1937, this shotgun is from the middle of the pre-war production of the original model 12 guns. It is in Fine-plus condition, appearing to have spent more of its life in a safe than the field. Model 12s tend to be collectible in general, but Skeet Guns even more. A pre-war 28 Gauge Skeet with this example’s condition is well worth adding to any collection. If the Winchester collectors pass this by, it would also make a great skeet gun that will turn some heads at the range. Please see our pictures and good luck!