Believe it or not, there are getting to be a lot of fake Model 12 boxes that have been intentionally aged. Carefully screen NIB (watch the hanging tag also) specimens in this model. Editor's Note: The Model 12 Winchester was produced continuously from 1912-1980. Over 2,027,500 were produced both in standard and deluxe (Pigeon) grades. The Winchester Model 1912 (also commonly known as the Model 12, or M12) is an internal-hammer, pump-action, shotgun with an external tube magazine. Popularly named the Perfect Repeater at its introduction, it largely set the standard for pump action shotguns over its 51-year high-rate production life. From August 1912 until first discontinued.
Winchester Model 12 12-gauge pump-action shotgun manufactured in 1948TypePlace of originUnited StatesService historyUsed byWarsProduction historyDesignerManufacturerProduced1912–1964, with special production runs until 2006No. builtnearly 2,000,000VariantsSee textSpecifications,Feed system6-round (see text for more details)The Model 1912 (also commonly known as the Model 12, or M12) is an internal-hammer, with an external tube magazine. Popularly named the Perfect Repeater at its introduction, it largely set the standard for pump action shotguns over its 51-year high-rate production life.
From August 1912 until first discontinued by Winchester in May 1964, nearly two million Model 12 shotguns were produced in various grades and barrel lengths. Initially chambered for 20 gauge only, the 12 and 16 gauge versions came out in 1913 (first listed in the 1914 catalogs), and the 28 gauge version came out in 1934.
A.410 version was never produced; instead, a scaled-down version of the Model 12 known as the Model 42, directly derived from scaled drawings of the Model 12, was produced in.410. Contents.Description The Model 1912 (shortened to Model 12 in 1919) was the next step from the hammer-fired shotgun, which in turn had evolved from the earlier Winchester Model 1893 shotgun. The Model 12 was designed by Winchester engineer, and was based in part on the M1893/97 design by, 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.Its tubular magazine was loaded through the bottom of the gun. Empty shotgun shells ejected to the right.
Depending on the particular wooden plug installed in the magazine, two, three, or four shells could be stored in the tubular magazine. The magazine holds six 2¾-inch 12 ga. Shells, when no plug is installed, unlike most shotguns of today which hold four or five shells.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, which had been introduced in 1950. The majority of 'modern' Model 12 shotguns manufactured after 1927 were chambered for 2¾-inch shotgun shells only, although some specialized models such as the Heavy Duck Gun Model 12 were chambered for 3' Super Speed and Super X shells (basically a 3' magnum). The early 20 gauge Model 12 guns had chambers that were 2½', and the 16 gauge Model 12s were chambered for a 2 9/16-inch shotgun shell. To add further confusion, some of these early Model 12s have subsequently been modified, with their chambers lengthened to accept 2¾-inch shotgun shells, while others remain in their factory-stock chamber lengths. Careful inspection by a gunsmith is always recommended to determine whether or not it is safe to fire a modern 2¾-inch shotgun shell in older Model 12s.Special production examples were produced by Winchester, the U.S.
Repeating Arms Company, and Miroku after 1964 through 2006 through specialized gun collector purchase programs, but the Perfect Repeater shotgun was never mass-produced after 1964. Repeating Arms Company (a subsidiary of ) announced a complete closing of the factory facility in January 2006, thus ending the Model 12's long and illustrious career at the age of 95 years.Military use The used various versions of the Model 12 in, and in the early part of the, until inventory was exhausted after the Model 12's initial production ceased in 1964. Versions of the Model 12 were type classified as the Model 12 or M12 for short. Approximately 20,000 Model 12 were purchased by the US Army in World War I, differing from the civilian version by having a shorter barrel, a perforated steel heat shield, and a adapter. Winchester Model 12 Trench GunMore than 80,000 Model 12 shotguns were purchased during by the, and, mostly for use in the. Versions of the Model 12, lacking the heat shield and bayonet, were purchased by the Army for use in defending bases and in protecting Air Forces aircraft against saboteurs when parked.
The Navy similarly purchased and used the riot gun version for protecting Navy ships and personnel while in foreign ports. The Marine Corps used the trench gun version of the Model 12 to great success in taking Japanese-occupied islands in the Pacific. The primary difference in Model 12 shotguns between the World War II trench gun version versus the World War I trench gun version was that the original design, containing six rows of holes in the perforated heat shield, was reduced to only four rows during 1942.During the Korean War, the Marines used the Model 12 extensively. Likewise, the Marines and Army used the Model 12 during the early part of the Vietnam War, until, due to the Model 12's production ending in 1964, and the high rate of wartime use, the Model 12 shotguns in inventory were consumed. The soon filled the void caused by the end of the Model 12's production, especially among.Unlike most modern pump-action shotguns, the Winchester Model 12 had no. Like the earlier Model 1897, it too fired each time the action closed with the trigger depressed. That and its 6-shot capacity made it effective for close-combat.
As fast as one could pump the action, another shot would be fired.See See also.References. Fawcett, Bill. Hunters & Shooters: An Oral History of the U.S. Navy SEALS in Vietnam. NY: Avon Books, 1995., pp. 79–80, especially. 'Give Us More Shotguns!'
Canfield, May 2004. 'Sequence of Take-down and Assembly Operations Model 12 Slide Action Repeating Shotgun', A. Arnold, Olin, Winchester-Western Division, New Haven, CT, October 1957External links.
I'm really intrigued by the low serial number so I have started some research into my Model 12. My wife and I recently cleaned out the family home, and, as I was going through some boxes, I found two boxes of 20-gauge paper shells (a few Remington Kleanbores and some Federals). I am assuming these were the last shells fired in the Model 12, because it was stuck in the same corner of the house for as long as I can remember and I don't believe it's been fired for at least 40 years.I haven't touched the finish or altered anything on the Model 12. I ran a brush through the barrel, cleaned the bolt and the inside of the receiver, reassembled and the action is as smooth as silk. Some of the nicest machine work I've ever seen! I also have a Model 06 and a Model 74 (22 short only), which are in great condition.Given the low serial number, should I have the Model 12 appraised for insurance purposes?
![Serial Serial](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125660318/513747426.jpg)
I'd love to shoot it, but I won't, simply because I don't want to take a chance with modern ammunition. Good morning Broken Spring: Well first year guns usually command a premium over 2nd year and beyond guns. Lets face it there are only about 5000 of them period. Down side, that's before the solid rib, checkered stocks etc.
Being a low 3 digit S/N I would add 20% right off the top. Still being a 2 1/2 inch chamber is good since many early Md 1912/12s were opened up.Since the serial number on the receiver extention is very faint, and not being able to see the gun, it could be faint from carrying, or possibly being reblued sometime during it's 94 year life. If it was reblued, that will hurt.Also when the gun left the factory it came with what's known as the 'Perch Belly' butt stock. Small pistol grip, long wrist, or possibly an English straight grip. If the butt stock has been replaced, deduct $100.Now value is subjective. There are Md 1912/12 lovers out there who would really like a first year gun!
They are the ones who will pay the price. If your gun is in average condition for a 94 year old field gun with no rusat or pits, in original condition, (not reblued) conservatively $700-$800 today. I would have to see some good pictures to tell you much more.
For insurance purposes $1000, simply because if it's ever lost or stolen, your time to find another 3 digit Md 1912 wil take time, and time is money! Most home owners policys will cover 'sporting goods' which firearms fall under up to $2499 for an individual gun. They will require a letter of appraisal! The basic coverage is usually $5000 for sporting goods, this can usually be increased to $10,000.
For a small fee. If the total value of your guns exceeds $10,000 along with your other sporting goods, you may want to consider a 'ryder policy'. This is a separate policy not subject to your deductible and can have jewelery, guns, coins, etc listed on it. Generally about $2.00 for every $100s of coverage.
(IE: $100 would provide $5000 in coverage).Regards DaveRegards Dave. Dave,Thanks for your help. The insurance information is helpful. The gun is entirely original down to the old hard rubber butt plate. The serial number on the receiver is very legible. However, the matching number on the barrel extension is faint, but legible.I really appreciate all of the information I've received in the forum. The old Model 12 is a nice addition to my collection and I'll keep it clean and ready to shoot.Incidentally, the Broken Spring moniker comes from years ago when I was trying to find and replace the action spring on my old Remington Model 11 (pre internet days).
It really makes me appreciate the value of such good forums.Best regards,John (Broken Spring).