How many different Model 12 Winchesters

[Red Label]

I was just wondering how many different Model 12 configurations there might have been? I have a 16ga with a 26 inch barrel and a 12ga with a 30 inch barrel. How about the 20ga and the 28ga. I know the .410 was known as the M42 which I have a 28 inch modified choke. Were there 26, 28 and 30 inch barrels in each guage and was each different choke offered. If so do I need to collect them all?

Steve

 

[Traveler]

Literally hundreds. Some of which get right pricey.

 

[sm]

Have to check with Winchester.
As a general rule ,before removable chokes:
26" bbl -IC
28" bbl -Mod
30" bbl-Full

Darn fine gun, Still is in my opinion. Many variations-

Hunting, Skeet, Trap, Duck, Pheasant...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Red, here's the models I know of in 12 gauge....

Field...

Trap...

Skeet...

Heavy Duck...

Riot...

Military, with a couple variants...

And the possibly mythical Grouse and Quail Special, made in 12, 16 and 20 gauge with an open choke, 23" barrel and straight grip.Supposedly less than 40 made, and not heavily marketed because folks that hunt grouse and quail stuck to SxSs or autos. After some testing, the stock on hand were given to employees as retirement bennies.

HTH...

 

[rick_reno]

Model 12

I'm hoping by "models" you're only interested in the guns with catalog designations. The custom shop guns would add many, many variations to the list and are difficult to put into "model" buckets.
In the 1914 catalog, there were over 54 models listed in ONLY the standard grade - with each of these guns having an individual stock number G12XXS. 1914 was the first catalog to list the 12 and 16 ga. guns. 28 ga. guns were added in 1935. 20 ga. guns prior to 1925 were chambered for 2 and 1/2 inch shells, early 16 ga. guns had 2 and 9/16 inch chambers - by 1927 everything was 2 and 3/4 inch. The Heavy Duck (which someone mentioned) was added in 1935 and had a 3 inch chamber.
I've never seen, heard of or read about guns called "grouse or quail". Someone mentioned a "pheasant" grade - this also does not exist. There is a "Pigeon" grade (has a pigeon stamped on it) that was a high grade gun that ususally came out of the custom shop. The 28 ga. guns are generally believed to be rare, especially in the higher grade models.
I've collected M12 (and M42) Winchesters for over 40 years; they are a fine shotgun. If Winchester hadn't built them so good, we'd probably still see them in the Winchester product line today.

 

[Bainx]

Yes, I also have the 16 ga. with 26" bbl. I call it my "Great Depression Gun" since it was made in 1932.

 

[Red Label]

Thats way more info than I thought there would be. I appreciate all the posts but now that I know I'll never know it all, I think I'll just be happy with one of each guage.

 

[Marshall]

Red,

You're liable to run out of room storing all those models so, I'll go ahead and freely volenteer to help you out at no cost!