Winchester Model 12 1912 Solid Rib 28″ MOD 20 GA Pump Shotgun, 1959 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,825

WOA#:  WY240302CC003

Make: Winchester

Model: 12

Serial Number: 1773971

Year of Manufacture: 1959

Gauge: 20 Gauge

Action Type: Pump Action Takedown With Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “MODEL 12 – 20 GA – 2 3/4 CHAM. / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / MOD”. There are Winchester proofs on the top-rear of the barrel to the left of the rib and top-front of the receiver. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver and the barrel extension.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the solid rib.  The top of the rib and receiver are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with extended slide handle, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some light nicks and scratches, most notable in the right of the wrist, the belly and at the heel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear with generally well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is handling wear in the bottom of the receiver. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, mostly in the receiver flats. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.

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. With forged and machined steel parts, the ultimate reason for discontinuation of the Model 12 in 1964 was that it was too expensive to produce at a competitive price. The primary competition at this time came from the much less expensive Remington Model 870, which had been introduced in 1950. This example is a 20 gauge made in 1959. It has a 28″ Modified choked barrel and retains much of its original metal finish. The bore is mostly bright and the mechanics are strong. This would make a great addition to a Winchester collection with its checkered stocks and solid rib, but it should also still prove to be a great gun for clays or hunting. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud