Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

Model: 12, Pigeon Up-Grade

Serial Number: 1394800

Year of Manufacture: 1953

Caliber/Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide Action) Shotgun, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26", Vent-Rib

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights/Optics: There is a red bead atop the rib at the muzzle and a metal midbead.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The shotgun has a two-piece figured walnut stock set, with a checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forearm, and a checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. The wood shows light handling wear, small scuffs, and a few blemishes in the finish. The checkering is sharp, and the grain shows excellent figure typical of Pigeon Grade stocks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the stock. There are no cracks or chips. The stock rates in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

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 firearm retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The balance of finish shows very light wear with only minimal marks from handling and storage. The screw heads are sharp and unmarred. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this firearm rates in about Excellent condition as up-graded.

Mechanics: The action and safety function correctly. We did not fire this firearm. 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 Pigeon Grade represents some of the more premium offerings of Winchester’s legendary pump shotgun line. Produced in limited numbers, Pigeon Grade Model 12s featured upgraded select walnut stocks, and fine checkering, making them highly prized by sportsmen and collectors alike.

This example, manufactured in 1953, is chambered in 20 gauge with a 26" Modified choke barrel, making it a perfect upland game gun—lightweight, smooth-handling, and built to Winchester’s uncompromising pre-’64 standards. The gun has been up-graded, sporting correct stock and jeweling of a Pigeon Grade with the pigeon engraving added to the bottom of the barrel extension.

For Winchester collectors, Pigeon Grades are among the more desirable factory offerings, and this up-grade offers both elegance and usability.