New (to me) Winchester Model 1912

[Bushman2]

Hey all, great forum you have here. I stumbled onto it when googling about my newest aquisition, which I thought, a wise member here could enlighten me about.
It was my great grandmother Nellie's shotgun.
Here's some history of her: http://www.lib.az.us/awhof/women/bush.cfm
As for the shotgun, it is a two piece, take apart gun:
It's marked:
Nickel Steel - Winchester - MOD.1912-12GA. Full , Serial number: 80951
It has a full length rib marked *Simmons Gun Specialties Inc. Kansas City, MO
It also has a Deluxe Poly Choke on it.
I would say it is about 90% shape. The bluing is in very nice shape no rust or patina or discoloration.
Here is a Picture:

Any information would be outstanding, thanks for checking it out...

Terry...

 

[chevyforlife21]

thats a beauty.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Welcome to THR, Bushman2. Very nice shotgun, and a great piece of your family heritage to boot. The Winchester Model 12 is the classic American pump gun. They were made from 1912 till 1965, public demand forced Winchester to bring them back in 12 gauge only from 1972 until it was dropped again in 1980. A limited run was made under the Browning name in 1988.

Take good care of it, and pass it along to the next generation-

lpl

 

[chas08]

Congratulations on owning a piece of American history. My date of manufacture list puts it made in 1915.

 

[snooperman]

Welcome to the site

The Winchester model 12 is a great gun. I have a 20 gauge and like it a lot, as it goes with me on many hunts each year. It is too bad they are not making that fine gun now. You have a nice one that will serve you well for quite some time. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Sav .250]

Win model 12.............one of the greats...

 

[Bushman2]

Thanks guys...
Wow 1915, it sure is in great shape for being 94 years old!
I pretty much figure since the barrel stamp says "Full" the poly choke is an aftermarket that she put on, but what about the vented rib? Any thoughts?
It also has a Pachmayer butt pad. I didn't know Pachmayer has been around that long...
I've heard of their pistol grips, etc..

 

[chas08]

I pretty much figure since the barrel stamp says "Full" the poly choke is an aftermarket that she put on, but what about the vented rib? Any thoughts?
It also has a Pachmayer butt pad.

All three are add ons and somewhat detrimental to the overall value of the gun as opposeed to what it would be worth in it's original configuration. But since it's an heirloom and you're going to keep it forever, What you have is a great old gun that is better suited to modern shotgunning. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[mjsmith1223]

Very nice Model 12. Will you be taking it out to shoot it?

 

[TomADC]

That's a nice one!! I have three shotguns that belonged to my Grandfather & Father, a Fox Steringworth 12 ga SxS, 16 ga Model 12 & Winchester model 40 skeet gun. Newest of the bunch the 1948 Model 12.

 

[b.thomas]

The Simmons rib is after market(I believe) and they are still in business.
Nice gun!

 

[chevyforlife21]

yea them guns didnt come with ribs thats for sure

 

[Bushman2]

Very nice Model 12. Will you be taking it out to shoot it?

Yeah I probably will shoot it some times prolly not real often tho, as I have other guns I am shooting on a regular basis..

 

[mjsmith1223]

You will enjoy shooting the model 12. You are going to be spoiled by the smooth action. I inherited mine from my grandfather and initially I thought I would only shoot it once in awhile to keep the cobwebs out. Now it's in my regular rotation.

 

[Hollywood Marine]

If I recall correctly, Simmons did some ribs for the winchester factory, meaning that the rib may indeed be "factory", but it could also be an add-on. Someone better versed than I would have to look at the actual gun to determine which. Some guns also came from the factory with Polychokes installed. Most of them were skeet guns though.
Welcom to the forum,and congratulations for preserving such a historical model 12.
I have two model 12's, one with a factory rib and one with a polychoke add-on rib. They are both a delight to shoot. You are in fr a treat if you have never fired a 12. they are IMHO the smoothest pump gun ever made

 

[chas08]

If I recall correctly, Simmons did some ribs for the winchester factory,

Not on guns made in 1915

Some guns also came from the factory with Polychokes installed. Most of them were skeet guns though.

Once again not on guns made in 1915. The factory guns with polychokes have the barrel marked Cyl where the choke markings are. I almost bought one made in the 50's IIRC. We couldn't come to terms on price.