Make: Winchester

Model: 12

Serial Number: 1633158

Year of Manufacture: 1955

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Takedown Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.”, “-MODEL-12-12 GA.- 2 ¾.- / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL- / FULL”. The bottom of the receiver and extension is marked “1633158”. The receiver, extension, barrel, and trigger guard are engraved. The engraving is not factory. The top of the receiver and barrel have “WP” proofs. 

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: Fixed Full Choke

Sights / Optics: Front metallic bead. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered Winchester hard-rubber buttplate, and checkered pump grip. The pump grip is not original to the gun. There are some scattered light compressions, minor draglines, and little marks through the finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has handling wear all around but the checkering is strong. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as not original.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. There are some fouling streaks in the choke. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some areas of thinning on the leading edges and on the bottom of the receiver. There are a few scratches on the barrel. The action shows operation wear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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. The Model 12 was designed by Winchester engineer T.C. Johnson, and was based in part on the M1893/97 design by John M. Browning, in that it used a sliding forearm or “pump action” to cycle the mechanism. With forged and machined steel parts, the ultimate reason for discontinuation of the Model 12 in 1964 was that it was simply too expensive to produce at a competitive price. When the money talks, the people listen. The primary competition at this time came from the much less expensive Remington Model 870, which had been introduced in 1950.

This Model 12 is a 12 gauge made in 1955. It has nice scroll engraving on the receiver with scroll accents. The gun retains a good bore and mechanics, perfect for the range or the field. This classic American shotgun is ready to drop bird or dust clays for decades to come, and turn some heads while you do it.