Winchester Model 12 Riot Gun

lowercase · Sep 22, 2017

Hello all

Just picked this gun up from LGS. I know very little about Model 12s, but thought is was a cool gun, and did a little research before buying.

This one was a Tacoma, PD gun and dates to 1959. There were two on the rack, but this one was in far better condition. The forend is chipped, but I found one on ebay for 40 bucks, so it is on the way.

I got the gun for $249.99 before tax. Don't know if that was a good price, but I saw that the riot length (20") was a bit more difficult to find, so I grabbed it.

How'd I do? Anyone have one of these, or use one in their LEO days?

-lc

tug700 · Sep 22, 2017

From a novice; you did great, I had a Mod 12 with 20 inch barrel and had a blast.

Bosquebass · Sep 22, 2017

I couldn't tell you what it's worth but a lot of people including myself think that the 12 is the best pump shotgun ever made. I'd have paid $250 in a heartbeat.

loknload · Sep 22, 2017

Looks like you got a good deal and they are great shotguns!

Bakebfr480 · Sep 22, 2017

A LGS has one in better condition for $750.00!

kscharlie · Sep 22, 2017

The ultimate irony!! Stealing former police property!!!!

Ya' done good!

jimmyj · Sep 23, 2017

Over my LEO career I was issued Winchesters Models 97, 10 and 12, Ithaca Model 37s, Remington Models 870 and 1100, and finally Mossberg Model 590. The Winchesters and Ithaca were responsible for many ADs as they did not have automatic disconnects and could be "Slam Fired"

sheepdawg · Sep 23, 2017

After thievery like that I hope you can sleep well tonight.

Inusuit · Sep 23, 2017

jimmyj said:
Over my LEO career I was issued Winchesters Models 97, 10 and 12, Ithaca Model 37s, Remington Models 870 and 1100, and finally Mossberg Model 590. The Winchesters and Ithaca were responsible for many ADs as they did not have automatic disconnects and could be "Slam Fired"

I suggest the operators were responsible for the Negligent Discharges (ADs), not the firearm.

OP, I own a couple of Model 12s and lust for an Ithaca 37. You did very good with your purchase

Watchdog · Sep 23, 2017

You got a 58-year-old shotgun that will last another 58 years for only $250?!? That's simply outstanding, period.

Around here, I haven't seen a Model 12 factory riot gun sell for that price since the early 90s. I bought one in 1990-something for $300 and thought I got a bargain. I actually did get a bargain, because I couldn't buy one like that around here for twice that price...and that's if I could find one.

There's one for sale now at an LGS for $850...and the serial numbers don't even match! And as far as I can tell, it's the only one in town for sale.

I'm a big Model 12 fan. My thinking is that they weren't called "The Perfect Repeater" for nothing.

Valmet · Sep 23, 2017

You stole it at that price- congrats! Love the classic Model 12 in any configuration!

Glashaus · Sep 23, 2017

I would make sure that I go back to that LGS, either they are really hard up for sales or they have no idea how to price firearms, also they must not have internet to look up prices, you sir got a great deal!

Racer X · Sep 23, 2017

I've got my grandfather's old Model 12, with a barrel long enough to reach into the next county. I'd love a 20" riot model.

Eddietruett · Sep 23, 2017

I'd go back and get the other one too. If not in ad good of shape maybe you could get it for $200

Richard Simmons · Sep 23, 2017

Congrats to the OP. Was looking at one myself but it's an odd duck. It's got the U.S. Stamp and flaming bomb on the receiver with a 20" vent rib barrel with cutts compensator. Pretty sure the military used some models for aerial training that had standard length barrels and maybe a cutts installed but a vent rib at 20"?

Watchdog · Sep 23, 2017

Richard Simmons said:
Congrats to the OP. Was looking at one myself but it's an odd duck. It's got the U.S. Stamp and flaming bomb on the receiver with a 20" vent rib barrel with cutts compensator. Pretty sure the military used some models for aerial training that had standard length barrels and maybe a cutts installed...

To the best of my knowledge, the most frequently used shotgun with long barrels and compensators was the Remington Model 11. Semi-autos were much better suited for aerial gunnery training than pump shotguns.

Here's a photo of a Model 11 set up for gunnery training.

wundudnee · Sep 23, 2017

As you can see from the above posts, you got a deal. I would have bought them both in a minute. However I got mine cheaper, $55.00 in Montgomery Wards in 1954. It is flaming bomb and U.S. marked and has been seriously bubbed up. I've hunted with it all my life.

You couldn't find a better home defense shotgun, especially for the price.

Watchdog · Sep 23, 2017

wundudnee said:
As you can see from the above posts, you got a deal. I would have bought them both in a minute. However I got mine cheaper, $55.00 in Montgomery Wards in 1954. It is flaming bomb and U.S. marked and has been seriously bubbed up. I've hunted with it all my life.

You couldn't find a better home defense shotgun, especially for the price.

Not being funny here...I'm not familiar with the term "bubbed up". What does that mean?

Have you done a serial number search to see when your gun was made? It almost has to be from 1941-1944...possibly 1945, but I kinda doubt it. At least the receiver does. Do the serial numbers on the receiver and the barrel assembly match? Just curious.

italiansport · Sep 23, 2017

I agree with the other posters that you got a great deal on your Model 12. Keep one thing in mind here that Winchester will never be able to make them again for anything approaching a reasonable price anymore then Colt or S&W could produce hand assembled and tuned revolvers for a reasonable price. Enjoy your Model 12 as these are great shotguns.
Jim

Drm50 · Sep 23, 2017

I think you did well on your buy. The price of M12s has been
coming down on good used field guns $350-$400. How ever the
Riot Guns are selling higher, I would say $500 around here. The
long barrel guns 32" are also bringing premium money.
They make good slug guns also. The best pump shotgun that
was ever made. Heavier than new guns, that's because they are
made of all milled steel parts. It is a gun that survives being
passed down through generations.

Winchester Model 12 Riot Gun

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