RARE Winchester Model 12 Skeet, 28 Gauge Vent Rib Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $8,750
LSB#: 190930BS01
Make: Winchester
Model: 12 Skeet
Serial Number: 1676657
Year of Manufacture: 1958 (“The Winchester Model Twelve 1 of 1000”, Madis, P161)
Gauge: 28 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 12-28 GA-2 3/4 CHAM.- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / 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 to the left of the rib extension. The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number, the bottom of the barrel extension and the magazine tube have engraved indexing arrows.
Barrel Length: 26”, Ventilated Rib
Choke: Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a red bead in a base at the front of the ventilated rib and a smaller silver-colored mid-bead. The top of the rib, rib extension and receiver are serrated and the top of the receiver has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with extended slide handle, capped pistol grip, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There is a minor scuff on the left of the wrist forward of the checkering. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear around the edges with some light residue in the checkering which is sharp, as is the lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent 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 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent 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? ventilated-rib barrel choked Skeet. Produced in 1958, this shotgun is from the middle of the post-war production of the original model 12 guns. It is in Excellent 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 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!