Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade Trap 12 Ga 2 3/4″ 30″ Pump Action Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,326.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW019
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 12 Pigeon
Serial Number: 1111356
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action
Barrel Length: 30″ Raised vent rib.
Choke: Fixed: Full.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A. / MODEL 12-12 GA.-FULL / —WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL— / FOR SUPER SPEED & SUPER-X 3 IN.”. The base of the receiver and magazine are both marked with the serial number. The name plate on the stock is marked “F.R. COLE”.
Sights / Optics: There is a Bradley red plastic bead at the muzzle atop the vent rib and a smaller, white bead at mid barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished Monte Carlo style stocks are two piece wood with semi-pistol grip, fluted raised comb, vented rubber Whiteline Pachmayr buttpad, and long checkered wood action slide handle. The stock shows scattered compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. The stock rates a Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion, but there are a few tiny scratches at mid barrel. There is some stubborn lead fouling in the choke. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is moderate operational wear on the mag tube and action bar. There are a few drag lines on the barrel and minimal handling wear. There is moderate fading and blueing loss at the edges of the receiver. Overall, this shotgun rates a Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has been customized with a release trigger and the safety has been removed. 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 Winchester Model 12 shotgun is an icon (some might say the icon) in the Winchester line. You know a gun was designed and built right when over two million copies were produced over a 60-plus year span. It is a highly regarded pump-action firearm celebrated for its ruggedness, adaptability, and reliability. This writer remembers one afield in the hands of his own grandfather with great nostalgia.
This particular Model 12 is a Pigeon Grade Gun — what Winchester called their upgraded version, with very nice furniture and a factory hand-engraved pigeon under the mag tube. It was shipped in 1948 and optimized for trap shooting. In accordance with its special purpose, it has a 30 inch full choked vent rib barrel and a raised Monte Carlo stock. It has been further customized by removing the safety and the addition of a release trigger. The vent rib was somewhat rare in the Pigeon at this time and should attract the attention of serious collectors.