Any Winchester Model 12 Collectors Here? Update with Photos

[hsguy]

Hello, I ran across an Winchester Model 1912 today that is serial number 45. The gun is a 20 ga. full choke, I would estimate the finish about 10-20% mainly patina and bare metal. There is no rust, corrosion or pitting. The stock and forearm are in good shape with no major damage, just 98 years of handling wear. Mechanically the gun is excellent and the bore bright and shiny. I am curious as to what the value estimate would be be such an early gun? Sorry I don't have any photos. Thanks in advance.


Finally picked up the gun and here are some poor photos, will take better as time permits.

 

[P&R Fan]

I am a lifelong fan of the M12. Presently have four of them, plus a M42. They are, in my opinion, the finest pump shotgun ever made. I can't give you a value, although I suspect it to be pretty good with that low serial number. Keep in mind unless it was altered it is chambered for 2 1/2" shells. The 2 3/4" inch chambering didn't come about until 1925 according to The Winchester Model Twelve book by George Madis.

 

[Tam 3]

Even with the low serial #, the condition described would be for me less than a $500 bid.

I have a 12, 16 and a 20, none collector grade, but all wonderful field guns, as they were when they were variously altered (poly-choked, butt-padded by early owners.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[wraco]

Along with M70's, the Model 12 is one of my favorites I collect.

Dave Riffle's book is the best reference on the Model 12. . S/N 45 is first year production. If the gun hasn't been altered, meaning the chambers lenghted to 2 3/4" and the ejection port radius enlarged, and no refinishing, the gun is worth more than what you'd first think. The finish wore off those early nickel steel guns pretty quick and that's not a big deal. We don't mind them like that.

If you look close at that gun you'll notice there are no alignment arrows on the mag. tube and the receiver extension. Also the top of the receiver, the sight groove is only matted and not grooved out. The barrel on the early 20 ga. was 25". First year 12 ga. and 16 ga was 1914. The 16 ga barrel was 26" and the 12 ga. 30".

1912, produced S/N from 1 to 5,308, with the first Model 12's arriving at the Winchester warehouse on August 30, 1912. In 1926 Winchester announce the 20 ga chamber will be lenghtened from 2 1/2" to 2 3/4". The 16 ga chamber will be lenghtened from 2 9/6" to 2 3/4". By 1927, all Model 12's were now chambered for 2 3/4" shells.


Heck if that M12 has original finish and original wood with original buttplate, it could be worth, to a collector, upwards of $1500. Any modifications, it drops to around $350.

Regards:
Rod

 

[Centenniel]

I love Model 12 shotguns. I have a few, and my favorite quail/dove gun is a 20 ga. with a modified choke 26" barrel.

 

[clipper1]

I have a 20ga made in 1947 and probably 95%. It is the best shotgun I ever owned.

 

[Texas Star]

Pics? The M-12 is a handsome gun, esp. in the higher grades.

 

[wraco]

I heard that Clarke Gable's shotgun is up for sale. It's the one he gave to Roy Rogers for a few cents. They both were trap shooting and Clarke was so far off his game that day, he asked Roy if he'd like the Model 12 and gave it to Roy. Roy cherished that Pigeon Grade Model 12 til he passed away. . . If I had my pick of any Model 12, that would be the one.

Rod

 

[Tam 3]

Gable said something like: "I'd sell this thing for a dime!" Rogers slapped one in his palm and that was that.

Rogers had one made for himself that appears to have more custom metalwork while Gable's had more custom wood work.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[djohns6]

I have a Model 12 that belonged to my Grandfather . He died when my own Father was just a young boy . You can't begin to guess the value of that gun .

 

[Peedie7]

I have a model 12...12 gauge 3in...goose gun...belonged to my Dad...money won't buy it...

 

[pownal55]

I have owned a few but now have just one, actually it's a Browning model 12 grade v in 28ga. I agree they are the finest pump guns made, a true symbol of America's best gunmaking.

 

[Greyhawk]

I have a Model 12 that belonged to my Grandfather . He died when my own Father was just a young boy . You can't begin to guess the value of that gun .

I also have my grandfather's old Model 12. It was manufactured in 1949 and passed down to me when my father passed away.

 

[Texas Star]

STILL no pics?

 

[hsguy]

Updated with pictures.

 

[max]

Are you bringing that pheasant hunting? I am sure it would do a fine job.

 

[michael thornton]

looks like it has many years left in it to me! i love mod 12 winchesters!

 

[Skeeziks]

About 17 or 18 years ago, I held in my hands ser.# 32 (or, maybe it was 23?) and I didn't buy it. Dumbest move I ever made!
It was the sweetest little 20-ga. pump I've ever handled. Up until then, I thought my Ithaca 37 Featherlite was the best 20-ga. pump there was...up 'til then!

I have my father's 12-ga. mod. 12 that I cherish and, like the majority of you here, would never let it go for anything!

The catagory of "Pump-action shotgun" is the one catagory where there is no need for a poll, or any kind of debate as to what was the best pump-gun ever made...the mod. 12 wins hands down.

Cherish and enjoy that little sweetheart and don't part with her for anything.

 

[Texas Star]

I fully understand the passion for the M-12. But the late Don Zutz, as fine a shotgun writer as we've ever had, told me that he preferred the Remington M-31.

Said that it was a smoother working gun, and I guess his fit him better.

I've never handled a M-31, but deeply respect Don's opinion.

The high grade repros of the M-12 are among the finest guns made, for the money. I'd really like one in 20 ga. Some are from Browning, some marked Winchester. I think that all were made by Miroku in Japan. The workmanship is really nice.

T-Star

 

[bmcgilvray]

I acquired this Model 12 Skeet Grade from its original owner who bought it new in 1941. He ordered it with the factory Cutts Compensator option.

The Cutts makes it ugly but for dove hunting or duck hunting over decoys it is so fine.