Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Model 12, 28 ga. Value?

A friend of mine has a model 12, 28 gauge field grade he is considering selling. It was made in 1939 and is all original. He bought it from the original owner several years ago. Judging from its condition it looks like it hasn't been fired. There are two tiny scratches on the right top side of the receiver probabley from a gun safe. I would honestly rate this at 98%. So if anyone knows of a fair price or is interested in case I don't come up with enough cash. Please let me know.

thanks,

Bassetman

Considering this gun is almost 75 years old and in some obscure guage, it is probably just about worthless. I'll give you $50 for it because you are a campfire member.


Actually, I don't know the value, but there aremany inhere thatdo. I amsure someone will come to the rescue with a price range. Sounds like your buddy struck gold a ways back. Best of luck

I am not sure, but I would like to have a shot at it when and if you decide you dont want it. I turned one down years ago and have always regretted it.
Thanks

MODEL 12 SLIDE ACTION
- 12 (introduced 1914), 16 (introduced 1914), 20 (initial ga., mfg. 1912, 2 1/2 in. chamber mfg. until 1927), or 28 (introduced 1937) ga., 25 (20 ga. only, mfg. 1912-14), 26, 28, 30, or 32 in. standard, nickel, or stainless steel (scarce) barrel with or without rib (matted, solid, or VR), 2 9/16 (early 16 or 20 ga., until 1927, at ser. no. 464,565), 2 3/4 (became standard 1927) or 3 in. chamber, 6 shot, blue metal, various chokes, hammerless, plain pistol grip or straight walnut stock and forearm, marked Model 1912 from 1912-1919, approx. ser. no. 172,000. 14 in. LOP was original standard, then changed to 14 1/2 in. circa 1930. Mfg. 1912-1976.

Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
12 ga. $700 $550 $450 $375 $325 $275 $225
16 ga. $800 $625 $495 $425 $350 $300 $275
20 ga. $1,100 $900 $725 $650 $575 $500 $450
28 ga. $5,500 $4,750 $4,250 $3,850 $3,400 $2,850 $2,500
Subtract 50% if with non-factory Cutts compensator (has choke marked on barrel).
Add 25% for factory installed Cutts compensator (no choke marking on barrel).
Add 20% for 32 in. barrel.
Add 40% for original box with papers.
The following add-ons DO NOT apply to 28 ga. values.
Add 40%-50% for Win. solid rib.
Add 50%-60% for Win. milled VR.
Add 25%-50% for "Deluxe Field Grade" with fancy checkered wood, depending on condition.
Add 10% for pre-WWII mfg.
Add 60% for each extra barrel(s).
Add 40%-50% for Win. special VR (offset barrel proofmark).
"Y" prefix appears on Model 12s built 1964-1980 - see listing under Post-64 Models.
Nickel steel barrel Model 12s (mfg. 1912-1931) have become very popular in recent years, and some collectors are actually specializing on nickel steel Model 12s only. Winchester proofed steel barrels were introduced in 1931.
Stainless steel barrel Model 12s were introduced during 1926 as a special order only, and discontinued in 1931 (65X,XXX serial range). Values typically range between $1,450 - $3,500, and are very rare in over 95% original condition, as the bluing easily wore off the stainless steel barrel since it was a "Japaned" finish, not regular bluing.
Original gauge can be determined by removing the buttstock and observing the gauge marking on the stock screw boss.
"Donut" post Winchester VRs are more desirable than the rectangular post.
13-15 in. LOPs could be special ordered on Model 12s until 1964.
Special order features on field guns have captured much collector interest in recent years. Combinations of these features can add a considerable percentage to the base values listed. Rare special orders on rare variations are very desirable and prices can double and more if the combination is right. As is the case with most other collectible shotguns at this time, Model 12s with open choked barrels in shorter lengths are A LOT more desirable (and expensive) than a specimen with a 30 in. full choke barrel (most common). Values listed are for standard configuration (28 or 30 in. full choke barrel with no rib). For most Model 12s, values for condition factors less than 60% will approximate the 60% price, because of shooter demand. Premiums must be added for the rarer open choked barrels in shorter length on all gauges.
Recently, some non-original, re-stamped 28 ga. barrels have been added to 16 or 20 ga. frames "creating" a more desirable (and expensive) gun to unsuspecting buyers. Roll die markings are getting better and better so be very cautious when considering a non-Cutts 28 ga. (as in get a receipt specifying originality). 28 ga. ser. no. range is approx. 720,138 to 1,857,XXX. 28 ga. Model 12s were available with both 2 3/4 (common) or 2 7/8 (infrequent) in. chamber. The 28 ga. has a magazine tube which is crimped, swaged, and necked at the rear and is visible with barrel assembly off and slide pulled back, enabling mag tube to protrude slightly at the rear of receiver extension. Believe it or not, there are getting to be a lot of fake Model 12 boxes that have been intentionally aged. Carefully screen NIB (watch the hanging tag also) specimens in this model.
Editor's Note: The Model 12 Winchester was produced continuously from 1912-1980. Over 2,027,500 were produced both in standard and deluxe (Pigeon) grades. Pigeon grades were first listed in 1914 and disc. during the war (1941). Reintroduced in 1948, they were disc. permanently in 1964, after which the Super Pigeon Grade became available only on a custom-order basis from Winchester's Custom Gun Shop. These guns are worth 50-300% premiums depending on gauge, barrel lengths, stock options, engraving patterns, etc.
With an attrition rate of 33%, Model 12s with rare features produced 50 years ago will only be much rarer today (and expensive). 28 ga. guns were built between 1934 and 1960. Gauge rarity in increasing order is 12 ga., 16 ga., 20 ga., .410 bore (Model 42), and 28 ga. Serialization breakdown by year of manufacture is provided under the "Model Serialization" section of this book. When collecting Model 12s, ser. nos. on the underside of receiver (forward end), should match ser. no. on bottom rear of Mag. tube.

OK, I don't buy 'collector' guns and the guns I have that some might consider 'collectible' I inherited (and some do and some don't have the original box and papers) but I have to ask, would someone really pay a FORTY PERCENT uplift for a gun such as the OP listed because it had the box and papers? In this case another theoretical $1,900? Really?

Oh hell, 28 ga. shells are expensive. Tell ya what, I'll take it off his hands for $250......


maddog

That's a very valuable Model 12 if it checks out. Your friend needs some expert advice if he intends to sell it.

This guy is the acknowledged expert on the Winchester Model 12, having literally written the book on the subject.

http://daverifflegunsales.com/

I'd strongly suggest contacting him. There were a relative handful of Model 12s built as 28 gauge guns and some more that were converted from 20s and 16s, as all three gauges used the same frames. The difference in value is substantial.

If your friend intends to sell the gun, he should also get a letter from the Winchester records custodian confirming the gun's original features. Winchester letters can be obtained from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, in Cody, WY. Check their site out at http://www.bbhc.org/home/