Make:  Winchester

Model:  Model 12 Heavy Duck 

Serial Number:  1789597

Year of Manufacture:  1959 / C&R

Gauge:  12 Gauge, 3" Shells

Action Type:  Pump Action

Barrel Length:  30" Vent rib.

Choke:  Fixed:  Full.

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A. / MODEL 12-12 GA.-FULL / —WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL— / FOR SUPER SPEED & SUPER-X 3 IN.".  The base of the receiver and magazine are both marked with the serial number.  

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle atop the vent rib. 

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two piece wood with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, rubber buttpad, and grooved wood action slide handle.  The buttstock appears to be refinished.  The stock shows scattered compression marks and areas of finish loss.  There are no chips or cracks.  The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad.  The stock rates a Very Good condition.  

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality:  Refinished.

Bore Condition:  The bore is mirror-bright. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn lead fouling in the choke and a few small scratches. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal refinish.  There is minimal operational wear on the mag tube and action bar, minimal blueing loss at the edges of, and fading on, both the receiver and trigger guard.  Overall, this shotgun rates an Excellent condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly.  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 Winchester Model 12 shotgun is an icon (some might say the icon) in the Winchester line.  You know a gun was designed and built right when over two million copies were produced over a 60-plus year span.  It is a highly regarded pump-action firearm celebrated for its ruggedness, adaptability, and reliability.  This writer remembers one afield in the hands of his own grandfather with great nostalgia.

This particular Model 12 is a Heavy Duck Gun — what Winchester called their 3" magnum version.  It was introduced in 1936 and persisted until 1963.  In accordance with its special purpose, it has a 30 inch vent ribbed barrel and weighs 8lb, 6oz.  This one is Standard Grade, was a hunter, and was well maintained.  

It would be an unusual collector’s piece for a Winchester aficionado or (with Bismuth shot) the very traditional heavyweight fowling piece it was designed to be.