Guns International #: 103249317
Seller's Inventory #: 4573492
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Guns International #: 103249317
Category - Winchester Shotguns - Model 12
- Winchester Shotguns - Pump
Winchester ~ Model 12 Featherweight ~ 12 Gauge
Description: One of the most famous pump-action shotgun designs in firearms history, the Winchester Model 1912—more commonly known simply as the 'Model 12'—has been used in the hands of countless sportsmen and women, as well as on the battlefield and on police duty since its introduction in 1912! The shotgun's design derives the sliding pump action and tilting breechblock from John Moses Browning's own design in the Winchester 1893 and 1897 shotguns, but changes the design to a "hammerless" design—rather, the hammer was housed completely internally inside the receiver in a trigger group assembly which is easily removed from the receiver for maintenance. The hammerless design also helped to keep the critical components from exposure to elements, malfunctions from debris, and eliminated another snagging point from the gun. One semi-unique "feature" of the gun is that it is capable of "slam-firing," due to its lack of trigger disconnector. Thus, shooters can fire the gun as fast as they can cycle the action. While the earliest models were only made in 20 gauge, 12 and 16 gauge options were quickly made available in 1914—just in time for the First World War, where it was pressed into service by the US Army as a "trench gun," a weapon with devastating power on the battlefield. The Model 12's impressive WWI track record on the battlefield was only the beginning, as it continued to be fielded during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict. It has become a favorite for historical collectors and military fans for its decorated service history. Almost all Model 12s were made to chamber 2 ¾" shells of the time period. Only a few models were made to accept 3" shells. Even then, it is not always recommended to shoot modern 2 ¾" loads through older Model 12s, due to differences in modern loading components versus the lighter loads of the early- and mid-20th Century. The processes used to build the Model 12 proved to be very expensive per unit, and thus the Model 12 was officially pulled from production in 1964, though special runs were made as late as 2006 by the Japanese Miroku plant. This model for sale is a 1961 Model 12 Featherweight chambered in 12 gauge with a 26" barrel. The barrel only has a silver front bead and is bored with an improved cylinder fixed choke. The gun has what appears to be original walnut oil-rubbed furniture, with a plain pistol grip and corncob front end. A General Gun Works Duck Brand vented rubber buttpad has been added to the end of the stock, and the pistol grip has an added rosewood grip cap with diamond inlay made of a whitish material—possibly ivory, antler, or bone. The bolt and shell lifter have some original factory jeweling left on some less friction-prone parts, but much of the jeweled surfaces have worn over time and use. Most notable of this shotgun is its impressive and eye-catching engraving work on the receiver. Based off of official documentation and reports from former Winchester engravers, the engravings on this gun do NOT match any patterns offered from the factory or Winchester's custom shops. Thus, the detailed hand engravings on this gun must have been commissioned by a previous owner. The details and quality of the engravings, however, do infer that a professional was used for this work. It is possible that the wood grip cap was added at the same time. This shotgun is in very good condition, especially compared to many well-used 12s that can be readily found. The gun operates smoothly and is well-broken in. The barrel is in exceptional shape for the age and use it has seen, with no rust or pitting whatsoever. The bluing throughout the gun is faded, but in overall good shape. The bluing has mostly only worn away around various corners, edges, and on raised parts of the engraving work. The barrel is matched to the serial number, so the gun is likely all-original, aside from the engravings. This shotgun does not include a case or box or any accessories. 12 Gauge Chambers: 2 3/4 Metal Condition: Very good Wood Condition: Good Bore Condition: Very good Barrels: 26 Stock Dimensions: 14 1/2" LOP Fore End: Oil-finished walnut corncob Butt Pad: General Gun Works Duck Brand vented rubber buttpad Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz Sights: "Single silver front bead, grooved receiver Chokes: Fixed improved cylinder Item Location: Kearney, NE Price: $749.99 Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 103249317
Seller's Inventory #: 4573492
Guns International #: 103249317
Seller's Inventory #: 4573492