Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Grade 20 GA 26” TD Pump Action Shotgun 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,500
LSB#: 240406RV001
Make: Winchester
Model: 12 Takedown Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: 1587267
Year of Manufacture: 1956 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg, 20)
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 26” Vent Rib
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rear-facing red bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. There is a smaller mid-bead fixed to the rib. The tops of the rib and receiver are serrated to help reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a capped semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a rubber buttpad. The wood shows light nicks, dings, scratches and some minor handling and storage marks. The checkering has a few minor imperfections but overall remains distinct. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and wear most notably on the underside of the receiver down to the white. There are scattered nicks, scratches and handling marks throughout. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their 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 1956 and is a Pigeon Grade shotgun with the pigeon scene engraved on the underside of the receiver. The gun shows honest wear from field use over the decades and retains a solid bore and strong mechanics. This classic American shotgun is ready to shoot for decades to come. Please see our pictures and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
