In House Shipping:
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 12 (Model 1912)
Serial Number: 780476
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Gauge: 20 GA, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action, Takedown, Fed by Mag-Tube
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, “MADE IN U.S.A. / —WINCHESTER— / TRADE MARK”, and “2 3/4 CHAM. / MODEL 12-20 GA. / MOD”. The bottom of the receiver and extension are marked with the serial number “780476”. The bottom of the extension and mag tube are both marked with indexing arrows. The top front of the receiver and top rear of the barrel are both marked with Winchester ovalled “WP” proofs.
Barrel Length: 25 3/4”, Round
Choke: Mod., Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a metallic bead at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a round bottom grooved pump handle, smooth flat bottom pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and Winchester Repeating Arms Co. checkered hard rubber buttplate, which has faded somewhat from black to brown. There are no visible chips or cracks. There are only a few minor compression marks scattered about. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There are some minor fouling streaks in the bore. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operation wear. The finish is mottled throughout on the receiver. There are only a few faint marks on the barrel that are hardly worth noting. There is no corrosion present. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Good Plus 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: This shotgun comes in a unique striped cloth covered, “browned” corduroy lined custom carry case with English style fitting sections crafted of fine brown hardwood inside. The leather carry handle has torn away from one attachment “D” ring, and will require repair if the case is to be carried by the handle again.
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.
This Pre-War Winchester Model 12 Shotgun was made in 1939 and is in Good Plus Condition. It features a 25 3/4” barrel, 60% of its original blued finish (the majority of which resides on the barrel and mag tube, with the receiver’s finish remaining mottled), elegant two-piece walnut stocks with a round bottom grooved pump handle, smooth flat bottom pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and Winchester Repeating Arms Co. checkered hard rubber buttplate (which has faded somewhat from black to brown), clear markings, solid mechanics, and a bright bore with some minor fouling streaks but no erosion, and comes in a unique striped cloth covered, “browned” corduroy lined custom carry case with English style fitting sections crafted of fine brown hardwood inside. The leather carry handle has torn away from one attachment “D” ring, and will require repair if the case is to be carried by the handle again. This pre-war Model 12 displays beautifully in its carry case, and would make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection.