Make: Winchester

Model: 12

Serial Number: 1401704

Year of Manufacture: 1954

Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4" Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Takedown Shotgun

Barrel Length: 30" with Aftermarket Simmons Rib

Choke: Full, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib. There was a mid-bead, but it has broken off. The top of the receiver and rib are 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 some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are three small raised spots on the bottom of the slide handle. There is a patch of adhesive residue at the front of the belly, just behind the grip. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished, likely by Simmons at the time of the rib's installation. The over-size safety is not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bore. There is a little stubborn fouling. There is some discoloration around the original bead hole. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in minor operational wear. There are a few scattered tiny marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-plus 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. It was initially available in 20 gauge only (12 and 16 gauge guns were not sold until late 1913). The Model 12 was a very successful internal hammer pump-action shotgun. With forged and machined steel parts, the ultimate reason for discontinuation in 1964 was that it was too expensive to produce at a competitive price. The primary competition at this time came from the much less expensive Remington Model 870, which had been introduced in 1950.

This is a Winchester Model 12, made in 1954, towards the end of their initial production which ceased in 1963. This example is a 12 gauge with a 30" barrel choked Full. It has been equipped with a Simmons Ventilated rib as well as an after-market over-size safety. This will make for a great hunting or trap gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!