Winchester Model 1912 M12 Y-Prefix 12 GA 30″ Vent-Rib Pump Shotgun, 1972

SOLD FOR: $1000

LSB#: 220106TB007

Make: Winchester

Model: 12

Serial Number: Y2003962

Year of Manufacture: 1972

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”, “MODEL 12 – 12 GA 2 3/4 CHAM./ “MADE IN NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”/ FULL”. The top of the barrel and top of the receiver have ovalled “WP” proofs.The magazine tube and barrel extension have indexing arrows.The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 30”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed Full

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red bead in a base fixed to the rib at the muzzle and there is a smaller silver-colored mid-bead. The rib is serrated and its extension and the top of the receiver are matte finished for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a capped pistol grip, and brown rubber Decelerator buttpad on a buttplate adjustable for LOP and cant. The grip has decorative carving with fleur de lis motif, the slide handle checkering is a deluxe Winchester pattern. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There is one slightly more notable ding at the front edge of the checkering in the left of the wrist. There are two thin cracks in the bottom of the wrist at the back edge of the trigger guard assembly. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, 12 1/4” to the back of the wood. The plate is a metal adjustable aftermarket plate which is currently set with a rather severe cant.  Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as at least partially not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued with Jeweled bolt and lifter.

Finish Originality: Refinished, we suspect that the rib and extension are not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 95% of its new metal finish. There are a few little tiny marks through the finish on the receiver and some draglines. There is some finish loss on the edges of the receiver and trigger guard. The receiver has some light wear on the left side at the front form assembly. The barrel has a few infrequent tiny marks through the finish and some light handling marks. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition as refinished.

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. 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 1950. This Model 12 is from quite late in production. It is a 12 gauge made in 1972, eight years after production officially ceased. After production stopped, Winchester continued to assemble guns for several years, with a “Y” added to the serial numbers after the Gun Control Act of 1968 was passed. The gun shows light wear and has been well configured for trap shooting. This classic American shotgun is ready to shoot for decades to come. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Winchester Model 1912 M12 Y-Prefix 12 GA 30" Vent-Rib Pump Shotgun, 1972
Winchester Model 1912 M12 Y-Prefix 12 GA 30″ Vent-Rib Pump Shotgun, 1972