Winchester Model 12 1912 M12 28 GA 26″ Slide Pump Action Shotgun 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $7000
LSB#: 220106TB001
Make: Winchester
Model: 12
Serial Number: 1351766
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: 28 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” and “-MODEL 12 – 28 GA. – 2 3/4 CHAM. / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / SKEET”. There is no “WP” proof on the receiver. The chamber is marked with proofs to the left of the rib, one is a twice struck “WP” proof and there is also a twice struck “P” proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked “1351766”, there is no corresponding mark on the receiver extension, this shotgun has the circle “P” proof meaning that the barrel was was a replacement sent from Winchester and installed outside of the factory. The bottom of the magazine tube and the barrel extension have indexing arrows.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead in a base fixed to the rib at the muzzle. There is a smaller white alignment bead at the midsection. The top of the rib and receiver have serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with an extended slide handle, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. There are a few minor compressions and little marks through the finish, they are most noticeable on the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered nicks and light wear but well-defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The finish is Original, the barrel is not original to the receiver, it is a Winchester replacement.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 95% of its metal finish. Due to the lack of a Winchester proof on the top of the receiver, the duckbill extension is likely an aftermarket addition to the receiver. A stud for the duckbill can be seen on the interior of the receiver. The sides of the duckbill rib extension have mottled discoloration. There are some little scuffs on the barrel. There are some little nicks and light scratches on the bottom of the barrel. There is a nick into the metal on the top of the barrel to the right of the alignment bead. There is some thinning at the muzzle. There are some little spots of pinprick erosion on the receiver, they are on the right side at the front edge and rear just above the trigger guard. The receiver has a few little scuffs and light draglines. There is some finish loss on the trigger guard tang. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear, the proofs are twice struck. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. 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. With forged and machined steel parts, the ultimate reason for discontinuation of the Model 12 in 1964 was that it was simply too expensive to produce at a competitive price. When the money talks, the people listen. The primary competition at this time came from the much less expensive Remington Model 870, which had been introduced in 1959. This Model 12 is chambered for the rarest of the chamberings, 28 gauge. The barrel has a circled “P” proof and it is a Winchester replacement that was sent from Winchester and installed outside of the factory. The barrel measures 26″ and has a vent rib with circular posts and a single pin at the rear. The receiver has the appropriate lifter stop tab and the magazine tube has the proper crimp for the 28 gauge. The shotgun looks and functions good, it will be a nice addition to your collection. Good luck and happy bidding!