Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers

The Model 12 became a limited production gun and Model 12's were not mass produced after 1963. Model 12's produced from 1964 onward have a 'Y' prefix added to their serial numbers. Post-'64 Model 12's were offered in Field, Super Pigeon, Skeet and Trap grades. All had hand checkered, select walnut stocks and jeweled bolts. Sequential Model Numbers (Rifles) 1919-39. In 1919 Winchester abandoned numbering models by the year of introduction and assigned two-digit numbers, sequential. Model 1876 Model 1885 Single Shot Model 1886 Model 1892 Model 1894 (Mod 94) Model 1895 Model 53 Model 55 Model 64 Model 65 Model 71 Model 88. The pre-64 Model 12 Winchester was designed in 1912, with actual production from 1914 through 1963. During that 51-year period, there were over 1,900,000 guns.

Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers Location
Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers Values
Winchester Model 12 Value
Winchester Model 12 Serial Number Location

Model 12

Courtesy Bonhams & Butterfields, San Francisco, California

Designed by T.C. Johnson. First slide-action hammerless shotgun built by Winchester. Model 12 enjoyed great success in its 68-year history, with over two million sold. A high quality, well-made shotgun that is still in use in the hunting and shooting fields across the country. All Model 12s were of take-down variety. Dropped from regular product line in 1963, but a special model was produced in the Custom Shop until 1979. In 1972, Winchester resurrected Model 12 in its regular production line in 12-gauge only, with ventilated rib. This reintroduced Model 12 was dropped in 1980. Prices listed are for guns made prior to 1964 or with serial numbers below 1968307. Shotgun will be seen in many different combinations of gauges, barrel lengths, ribs and stocks, all of which determine value. The more rare a particular combination, higher the price. Buyer is urged to be extremely cautious before purchasing the more rare combinations, such as 28-gauge. Best advice is to seek assistance from an expert and get as many opinions as possible. Prices listed are for guns in standard configurations. NOTE: Following applies to all Model 12s: Add 10 percent for 16-gauge; 50 percent for 20-gauge; 600 percent for 28-gauge; 20 percent for solid rib; 30 percent for Winchester Special ventilated rib; 40 percent for milled rib; 20 percent for 32' barrels; 30 percent premium for original box and papers.
Model 12 was offered in several different styles:
1. Standard Grade: 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge; plain, solid or ventilated rib round barrels; standard lengths 26', 28', 30', 32'; plain walnut pistol-grip stock; grooved slide handle. Built from 1912 to 1963.
2. Featherweight: same as above; lightweight alloy trigger guard. Built between 1959 and 1962.
3. Riot Gun: 12-gauge only; 20' round choked Cylinder; stock same as Standard Grade. Built between 1918 and 1963.
4. Trench Gun: chambered for 12-gauge only; 20' round barrel; ventilated hand guard over barrel; fitted with bayonet lug; all metal surfaces 'Parkerized'; these shotguns should be U.S. marked as a military firearm. Introduced in 1918 and built for U.S. Armed Forces on special order.
5. Skeet Grade: chambered for 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge; 26' round barrel; solid or ventilated rib; select walnut checkered pistol stock; special checkered extension slide handle (longer than standard). Built from 1933 to 1963.
6. Trap Grade: chambered for 12-gauge only; 30' round barrel; solid or ventilated rib; select walnut pistol-/straight-grip stock; checkered extension slide handle. Built from 1914 to 1963.
7. Heavy Duck Gun: chambered in 12-gauge only; 30' or 32' round barrel; plain, solid or ventilated rib; plain walnut pistol-grip stock; fitted with Winchester solid red rubber recoil pad; plain grooved slide handle. Built from 1935 to 1963.
8. Pigeon Grade: chambered for 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge; standard barrel lengths; choice of ribs; special order shotgun; will be seen in many different variations; most were factory engraved. Built from 1914 to 1963.

Standard Grade—12 gauge

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Featherweight

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Riot Gun

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Trench Gun

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Skeet Grade

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Trap Grade

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Heavy Duck Gun

NOTE: Add 25 percent premium for solid ribs.

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Pigeon Grade

Winchester model 12 serial numbers 16 gauge

Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers Location

NIB	Exc	V.G.	Good	Fair	Poor
^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000	^$0000

Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers Values

A Brief History of Winchester Guns and the Model 1912 Shotgun

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns was established by Oliver F. Winchester on February 20, 1866. The first model produced under his name was the Model 1866 lever-action rifle .44 caliber rimfire. There had been earlier rifles using lever action including the Rocket Ball and Volition Repeater in 1848, Jennings Rifle (patent 1851), Smith and Wesson pistol, and Volcanic Repeating Arms (New Haven Arms Company and Henry Rifles). When the design was improved by B. Henry Tyler (shop foreman at the New Haven Arms Company), the .44 caliber metalic rimfire cartridge became powerful enough to compete with the single shot rifles of the day. Winchester Repeating Arms Company established itself as one of the world's leading firearms manufacturers of the world, and the subsequent rifles produced by Winchester are highly prized by collectors today.

About Model 1912 Winchester Shotgun
The Model 1912 (or as it is more commonly known-- 'Model 12') was Winchester's first slide-action hammerless shotgun. It was designed by T. C. Johnson, utilizing a strong frame and a hidden hammer. The chamber was made longer for the 2-3/4 inch shells in 1927, then later for 3 inch shells. This shotgun was available in many barrel lengths, all possible chokes, numerous gauges and 11 different models (also called 'configurations'). The pre-64 Model 12 Winchester was designed in 1912, with actual production from 1914 through 1963. During that 51-year period, there were over 1,900,000 guns sold. Production, clean-up and special orders of the Model 12 continued until serial number 2,027,500 in 1980. THIS APPRAISAL COURSE WILL PROVIDE VALUES FOR ONLY PRE-64 'Model 12' WINCHESTER SHOTGUNS.

For a complete outline of the history of Winchester Guns
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Appraisals
To determine the value of your firearm, you must first analyze it carefully. There will be sufficient information in this course to accurately price and date your pre-64 Model 12 Winchester SHOTGUN. As you go through the process fill in appropriate boxes in the right-hand column by clicking the mouse-pointer on the open circle that is most appropriate.

Winchester Model 12 Value

As you complete the appraisal, enter the information in the column to the right, then determine the final value

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There are 11 distinct Model Configurations of Model 12 Winchester shotgun, and they can vary a great deal in value. In appraising your gun, you must initially determine your Model Configuration. After selecting the appropriate Model, you will be guided through the many possible variations, then condition rating, to the final value range. There are also additional informational pages on the history of Winchester firearms. Recognize that the final value of your gun can be greatly influenced by special order features.

Winchester Model 12 Serial Number Location

There are 4 steps to this process.

Step 1: Determine the Model (i.e., Configuration) of your shotgun
Step 2:Determine gauge variations of the model type
Step 3: Determine your shotgun Condition
Step 4:Determine the Value of your shotgun