US WWII Winchester Model 12 1912 Riot Gun Military Pump Shotgun, 1945 C&R
Sold For: $1,900
LSB#: 200923FH34
Make: Winchester
Model: 12 Riot
Serial Number: 980086
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1945
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 “MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, -“WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“-, and “2 3/4 CHAM. / MODEL 12 – 12 GA. / CYL”. The top-rear of the barrel has an ovalled “WP” proof and Ordnance flaming bomb mark. The top-front of the receiver has an ovalled “WP” proof. The right of the receiver is marked “U.S.” and with a flaming bomb below the ejection port. The bottom of the barrel extension and receiver are each marked with the serial number, the barrel extension’s serial marking has been stamped over a previous number and through the finish. The bottom of the barrel has “40” date code. The right of the buttstock has a boxed “W.B.” cartouche over an Ordnance crossed-cannons and wheel marking. The left-rear of the receiver is stamped “M H P” behind the flat and “123” at the rear of the flat with both markings stamped through the finish.
Barrel Length: 20 1/2?
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the barrel. There is a sighting groove on the top of the receiver receiver, serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set with grooved slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The buttstock markings are clear. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear around the edges, most notable at the heel and toe, with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely factory or arsenal refurbished (see Our Assessment).
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear including odd short, vertical lines of wear along the right of the barrel from the muzzle back to the slide handle. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The left-front edge of the receiver shows light marring from the action bar during reassembly. The barrel and receiver have some scattered discoloration which looks like some sort of sealant or coating was applied over the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear except for the serial marking on the barrel extension which has been over-stamped. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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. Along with the 1897, the Model 12 was used in both World Wars by U.S. Armed Forces in both Trench and Riot configurations. This is a WWII vintage Riot gun which was made around 1945. While the latest Trench and Riot guns made during the war had a factory parkerized finish, they also skipped final polishing and had rough surfaces. This shotgun has a nice smooth metal surface, indicating that its parkerized finish was applied later, and many of these guns were either sent back to Winchester or an arsenal for refurbishment where they were parkerized. Also like many of these guns, this one appears to have been surplused out to law enforcement with the “MPD” and rack number marking corresponding to a state Highway Patrol agency. This is a great old Winchester that went from service in World War II to serving and protecting here at home. It will make a great addition to any military, law enforcement, or Winchester shotgun collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R CAN be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
