Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Winchester Model 12 12 Gauge Shotgun

Can someone recommend a site where I could learn more about this shotgun ?

Model 12 Winchester's are among the very best pump action shotguns ever built - fine quality shotguns.

http://daverifflegunsales.com.phtemp.com/wmod.htm

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=60&sid=3b2b923e6a194049d2c367e915d027b0

http://www.winchestercollector.org/

Madis' book is good too.

Thank you very much for the information, it has been left to me and being new to shotguns I would just like to know some history behind it. Someone had suggested selling it, but the money is not needed, and the sentimental value is far more important I believe. Besides that I might just like shooting it

You aren't going to describe what you have??? That just ain't right. I was raised on one and I now own five of them. Tell us what you have, serial number less the last two digits, barrel proof steel nickle steel? Rib, no rib, solid rib, vent rib? Gauge? Condition? Wood?

MILES58,

All I know is that it was left to give to me, it is a Winchester Model 12 - 12 Gauge Shotgun, it has a Walnut stock, and the serial number is 19442**. It supposedly was made in 1962, but that is not confirmed. It is presently in San Antonio, Texas and I will be going pick it up Thanksgiving weekend, or before then if I get too anxious to wait that long

Lynn

Lynn,

I'd probably wet myself in anticipation. The possibilities would make me nutz. '62 is about right off the top of my head for that number. They are shooting guns of the first water. Shoot it! Just don't use steel shot unless it's a cyl barrel. They have old long chokes and can be funny about what ammo patterns well so pattern it when you choose hunting ammo.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. When you get it PM me all about it.

I have a Model 12 20ga that was the Grandfathers. The SN dates it to the later 1940s I believe. It has a "bird barrel" with a matching SN, shorter & open choke. It's in good shape besides some bluing wear. I took it apart & cleaned it up well, & there it sits. I may use it at times but it's not going anywhere.

This is one of my Model 12 pumps; a well used, but slick as glass 16 gauge, made in 1948, that has about 75% of the blue and a polychoke - shoots like a house on fire. You will love it when you get it - don't wait for November, go get it now and use it on some dove. A 12 gauge is heavy enough that light 1 oz. loads will not kick much at all (my 16 is very mild with 1 oz. of bird shot).

I have a pair of 55's, both are Heavy duck versions, and they are outstanding guns! Enjoy yours, keep the steel loads out of the barrel, and please post pics when you get a chance.

The model 12 is the very best pump shotgun ever made IMO.

Miss Lynn:
Congrats on your Model 12!

IF you are receiving a field grade gun it will have a large ringed forearm, almost as full as a trap grade. This is my favorite model/gauge/type shot gun. I have
two. They point extremely well.

You might try out lighter loads. They are usually more fun to shoot if
your gun does not have a recoil pad.

Please post a picture!

I've got a number of shotguns but day-in/day-out, since I was ten years old, I probably shoot the M12s better than any other.

The Winchester Model 12 is my favorite pump shotgun. Miss Lynn, you're gonna love that classic shotgun!

Enjoy it.

I've got a Model 1912..

I'll be taking it after Pheasants this year, just shy of 100 years after mine was built.

She might be getting it around the first weekend of October. BTW, I have a carbon copy of that Mod 12 in 12g. Do you know if the polychoke was factory installed? I suspect they were available factory installed in addition to aftermarket, but have never researched it.

SSE, the Polychoke on mine is aftermarket, but some were factory installed. The way you can tell is by looking for the choke marking on the barrel; if it is marked (mine is marked FULL) then the Poly (or Cutts) is aftermarket. If there is no choke marked on the barrel, then the Poly (or Cutts) is factory installed. By the way, factory installed Poly and Cutts chokes increase the value of a Model 12, but an aftermarket install decreases value - go figure!

Interesting, thanks for the info. Since I didn't pay much money for mine, I'm guessing it was an aftermarket installation, but who knows. I'll check it. Also, mine is in such good conditon, I always had the suspicion it may have been re-done, but if so, it was one heck of a job. I'll get around to putting up a pick on the other thread.

My Uncle Rich - who owned our camp bought one when he was in the Army. The Model 12 and a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 220 Swift were the only two firearms that he ever bought new.

He never even owned a deer rifle till he was 50 years old.
Even that was a Ted Williams - Sears - Probably made by Winchester.

My earliest memories was of his model 12 and Super X shotgun shells. He had a American Rifle Association sticker on the stock and he gave his guns to his son in law and he pawned them for dope and good times. I wonder what the .220 Swift - pre 64 was worth today?