Winchester Model 12 26″ Vent-Rib WS-1 Skeet 20 GA Pump Shotgun, 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2450
LSB#: 220106TB017
Make: Winchester
Model: 12
Serial Number: 1919975
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Gauge: 20 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 – 20 GA 2 3/4 CHAM.- / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / WS-1”. 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: 26”, Three-Pin Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed Skeet (Winchester Skeet-1)
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 alignment bead at the midsection. The rib and top of the receiver are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a metal capped pistol grip, and checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are a few more notable marks along the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with generally well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The rib has square posts where the barrel is attached to. The rib is attached with three pins to the middle post. There are some little nicks, scuffs, and draglines scattered over the receiver. The receiver has a visible scratch on the left side of the receiver. There is finish loss on the edges. The barrel has some scattered little scuffs and some little nicks through the finish. There are some little scuffs that have thinned the finish on the barrel. The magazine tube has thinning and finish loss from use, with a dent on the left side in front of the slide handle. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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. 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 a 20 gauge made in 1961. The gun shows light wear and is in a desireable configuration with a three-pin vent-rib, Skeet choked barrel and checkered stocks. This classic American shotgun is ready to shoot for decades to come or add to your Winchester collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!