[redhillsgal]

My Dad gave me his shotgun before he died. It was given to him by his uncle in about 1938. Don't think it was new then. I am interested in finding out mfg. date. It is a Winchester Model 12-12GA. Full SN #380XXX Has a duck plug (that is what he called it). Anyone have any idea how to tell?

[MMCSRET]

My reference says it was built in 1924. Fantastic guns, I have several.

[Tommygunn]

If by model 12 you mean 1912, my book says it was made in 1924.

Hehe MMscret beat me by one second! Atleast we agree....;)

[redhillsgal]

Thanks. I would say that would be about right based on family history.

[Grassman]

You could write to Winchesters archive dept. maybe, and they could tell you more. I recently did this for my Ruger, I guess Winchester would do the same.

[gunut]

most of the model 12 records were destroyed in a fire.... the ones remaining are at the Cody museum...

sounds like a nice model 12...with a family history.. enjoy it!!

[MaterDei]

I received the same exact gun, about the same age too. The 'duck plug' in mine was a wooden dowel, very easy to remove.

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome, Redhillsgal. A couple things....

Besides being family history, your Model 12 is one of the best pumpguns ever made. The Model 12 is legendary for its reliability, durability and longevity.

Do exercise it frequently. Your ancestors would want that.

[ACP230]

The plug is to reduce the magazine/carrying capacity of the pump to three rounds. This is due to Federal wildfowl hunting regulations.
Many old shotguns have a length of dowel in the magazine to plug them to three rounds.
My dad's Model 12 is one of them.

[mswestfall]

I opened this thread because of the title. Even if it weren't one of the best shotguns made, it was Dad's.

Take good care of it and don't hesitate to shot it.