Make: Winchester

Model: 12

Serial Number: 1437364

Year of Manufacture: 1952

Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun Fed By Internal Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Improved Cylinder, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead fixed to the front of the barrel and the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with smooth-bottom grooved slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. There is a tiny crack at the right-rear of the trigger guard. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are 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, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered spots of light surface oxidation and minor erosion, primarily on the receiver. There are some scattered light marks, mostly along the top of the receiver. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1912 was an improved version of John Moses Browning’s groundbreaking design, the Model 1897 pump action shotgun. While similar in most aspects to Browning’s design, several improvements were made by Winchester engineer Thomas Crossley Johnson. Johnson’s most notable improvement was to alter the action. While Browning had designed his m/1897 with an external hammer, Jonson modified the design with an internal hammer. The Model 1912 retained the distinct slam-fire action used on Browning’s original design.

This is a Winchester Model 1912 Pump Action Shotgun, it was made in 1952, it is chambered for 2 3/4" 16 gauge shells. While it's certainly a capable all-around shotgun gauge suitable for deer, turkey, and duck hunting, the 16 gauge is most often used in the United States for hunting small and upland game like pheasant, quail, dove, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel. This Model 12 is in Very Good-plus overall condition, showing some light surface oxidation, but little sign of actual use. With a great bore and strong mechanics, this old Winchester could be back out shooting clay pigeons or dropping birds for another lifetime. It is also a somewhat uncommon configuration, with a 26" barrel choked Improved Cylinder, so it may find interest among the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!