Make: Winchester

Model: Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun

Serial Number: 906479

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Gauge: 12 GA, 3”

Action Type: Pump Action, Takedown, Fed by Tube Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.OF AMERICA___ / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “-WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK-”, and “-MODEL 12-12GA. / FOR SUPER SPEED & SUPER-X 3IN FULL”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “906479”. There are two indexing arrows on the mag tube and receiver extension. 

Barrel Length: 31.5” Round with Polychoke

Choke: Polychoke

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the top of the polychoke. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, ribbed forend, and Winchester rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. There are no chips or cracks. There are light compression marks, scratches, and scuffs. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent Condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear on the mag tube and action bar. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is some takedown wear. There is light oxidation on the receiver. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 12 hammerless pump-action shotgun was introduced in 1912, and designed by Thomas Crossley Johnson, using John Browning’s Model 97 hammer gun as his inspiration. The Model 12 is often referred to as "The Perfect Repeater" due to its smooth action and exceptional reliability. It was an immediate success, and around 2 million were made from 1912-1963. The “Heavy Duck Gun” variant of the iconic Model 12 debuted in 1935, and was specially designed to handle the increased demands of waterfowl hunting with heavier loads. The Heavy Duck Gun was chambered in 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, and featured a thicker barrel and a heftier overall build to manage the recoil and power of larger, high-velocity loads. The walnut stock and forend were robust and ergonomically designed to offer a steady grip in wet conditions, and the longer barrel provided improved shot patterns and range, making it highly effective for taking down waterfowl at distance. The Model 12’s reputation for durability and performance made it a favored choice among serious duck hunters for decades.

This Pre-War Winchester Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun was made in 1941 and is in Fine Condition. It features a 31.5” barrel (including its installed Polychoke), 80% of its original blued finish, two-piece smooth walnut stocks, and a bright bore with no erosion. LOP: 13 5/8", Drop at heel: 2 1/8”, Drop at comb: 1 3/8". This shotgun has been modified with a Polychoke system allowing adjustable shot patterns for tuned-in performance in the field.