Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers

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The s/n on the receiver is 206,2XX, indicating it was made in 1919. There is not any s/n on the barrel. According to George Madis, in his book 'The Winchester Model 12', a few markings changed in 1919. His claim is that when s/n 172,000 was surpassed in 1919, the designation was changed from 'MOD. 1912' to 'MODEL 12'. Sequential Model Numbers (Rifles) 1919-39. In 1919 Winchester abandoned numbering models by the year of introduction and assigned two-digit numbers, sequential. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS 'MODEL 12 Y' SERIES' 'MODEL 12 Y' SERIES' Model 12 Skeet. Similar to Field Grade, but offered with 26' ventilated rib. Feb 03, 2018 If Model 12s (or any model) were returned to the factory to have a second or third barrel fitted, does this qualify them as “not original Winchester”? I have a standard grade two barrel model 12 Ser. #1020423 (both receiver extensions identically stamped). The 30″ full choke barrel date stamped “45” with the round slide handle. Winchester model 12 16ga barrel length 28' choke full serial number 924,xxx looks like new, complete restoration. NEED MORE INFORMATION CALL 716-941-3946.

I have a Win 12 in superb condition. I'm trying to establish if it is original. It was mfg in 56. It has upgraded wood, and the coloring is lighter than you normally see on Model 12s. It has an extended forearm with 2 diamond-shaped patterns checkered into the bottom of it. There is no checkering on the pistol grip. I purchased this from an elderly gentleman. He informed me that he purchased it new back in the 50s, and I have no reason to doubt him, but I have never seen a model with only 2 diamond checkers and no checkering on the pistol grip. There are no other markings on the gun to establish it being a skeet or trap model, but its appearance leaves me to believe that it's not standard field. Will gladly send photos. Appreciate any help you can give me on thsi subject. Thanks.

Winchester model 12 serial numbers 16 gauge

Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers 16 Gauge


Introduction|I.History of Winchester Guns|II. Models| III. Variations
IV. Outline of Features|V. Condition |VI. Diagrams

Winchester Model 12 16 Gauge

Which Model-Configuration of Model 12 shotgun do You Have?

There are 11 Model Configurations with four gauge and several variations of those models. The standard Model 12 shotgun was a pump action and had a pistol-grip plain walnut stock, with a shotgun-type flat butt-plate. Deluxe varieties had checkered forearms and stocks, fancy walnut stocks, and other additional features. Many different options were available directly from the Winchester factory, particularly in the Pigeon.

Barrel length is one criteria that will be used to differentiate among the 11 different Model Configurations of this Winchester shotgun. Barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel tip (below the front bead sight), to the end of the barrel threads (beyond where the barrel inserts into the receiver in the middle of the gun). In the Model 12 Winchester, you can measure from the top of the receiver from where the bolt opening ends, to the barrel tip, to get an accurate overall barrel length. As an example, in the riot gun which has a 20' barrel, the measurement from the barrel tip to the receiver front is only 19 1/4 '. In order to add the distance of the barrel threads, you need to keep measuring into the receiver until you reach the end of the threads at the receiver opening (see where arrow points to in picture below). This will give you the correct barrel length measurement.

Use the following Key to determine which model (configuration) of gun that you have. Start at 'a' and then select one of the 'a' choices. Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your shotgun Model type. Then confirm your selection with with the overall descriptions and variations in the Outline of Features section. These Model 12 Winchester shotguns were very popular and some have gone through many hands. Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features. Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value of that gun. Additionally, this shotgun was able to be ordered from the Winchester factory with many different types of variations and custom additions.

If you need help determining names used for the parts of your gun, examine theParts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Winchester Model 12 Serial Numbers By Year

Easy Key:
a. My gun is an Model 12 pump action with a barrel that is GREATER THAN 20' in length .--- Go to section b
a'. My gun is an Model 12 pump shotgun with a barrel that is 20' in length.
▪ If the barrel is fitted with a hand guard and there is a bayonet lug, and the gun is parkerized,
You have a Model 12 Trench Gun...

Go to STEP 2


▪ If the barrel on your Model 12 is 20', the metal is blued, and there is no hand guard or bayonet lug.

You have a Model 12 Riot Gun. ..

b.My gun has a checkered pump forearm (slide handle) --- Go to section c


Winchester Model 12 with checkered forearm (slide handle)

b'.My gun is a pump action Model 12 shotgun with a grooved slide handle (forearm). There are 3 possible models that you might have:

1) Your Model 12 has a grooved slide handle and with a 'F' stamped after the serial number and has a lightweight alloy trigger guard. The gun can either have a round 26', 28', 30' or 32' barrel and can be a 12, 16, 20, or 28 gauge gun. The stock is plain walnut with a pistol grip (see picture below), and the butt-plate will be shotgun-style (black hardened plastic with a Winchester logo). You have a Model 12 Featherweight model.....


2) Your Model 12 has a grooved slide handle and with a red rubber recoil pad with 'Winchester' in raised letters. The gun also has a 3' chamber and with 1/2' shorter pull than any other Model 12. The gun can either have a round 30' or 32' barrel and can be ONLY a 12 gauge gun. The stock is plain (but can be fancy) walnut with a pistol grip.

You have a Model 12 Heavy Duck model....


3) Your Model 12 has a grooved slide handle and with a hard black plastic butt plate and no lettering associated with the serial number. The gun can either have a round 26', 28', 30' or 32' barrel and can be either a 12, 16, 20, or 28 gauge. The stock is plain walnut with a pistol grip. You have a Model 12 Standard model...

c. My gun is a pump action Model 12 shotgun with a checkered slide handle (forearm). There are 6 possible models that you might have:

1) My gun is a pump action Model 12 shotgun with a checkered slide handle (forearm), that has a red solid-rubber butt plate and the word 'TRAP' stamped on the bottom of the frame. The gun has a 30' barrel, is a 12 gauge, and with a straight or pistol grip checkered walnut stock. The gun does have a walnut stock and shotgun butt plate.

You have a Winchester Model 12 'Trap '

2) My gun is a pump action Model 12 shotgun with a checkered slide handle (forearm), that has a red solid-rubber butt plate and the word 'TRAP' stamped on the bottom of the frame AND a black ebony diamond inlay in the neck of the stock (see picture below). The gun also has a 30' barrel, is a 12 gauge, and with a straight or pistol grip checkered walnut stock. The gun does have a straight fancy walnut stock. You have a Winchester Model 12 'Black Diamond Trap '

3) My gun has a checkered slide handle that IS LONGER THAN ALL OTHER Model 12 Winchester forearms (see picture) and has a skeet choke. The gun has 26' barrel, has a solid or ventilated rib, and is a 12, 16, 20 or 28 gauge. The stock is fancy walnut, checkered and pistol grip. You have a Winchester Model 12 'Skeet Gun. '

4) My gun has a checkered slide handle that IS SHORTER THAN ALL OTHER Model 12 Winchester forearms and has the word 'TOURN' stamped into the stock wood under the butt plate. The gun has a solid or ventilated rib, and can ONLY be 12 gauge. The stock is fancy walnut, checkered and straight grip.

You have a Winchester Model 12 'Tournament Grade Gun. '

5) My gun has a checkered slide handle and has a MATTED ribbed barrel. The gun has 26', 28' or 30' barrel, and is a 12, or 20 gauge. The stock is deluxe walnut, checkered and pistol grip.

You have a Winchester Model 12 'Super Field Grade Gun. '

6) My Model 12 shotgun has a fancy walnut checkered stock and the word 'PIGEON' is stamped on the BREECH BLOCK. A picture of a pigeon is stamped just behind the trigger on the frame and engraving is usually present on the receiver sides. The gun can be either a 12, 16, 20 or 28 gauge with standard barrel lengths and choice of rib. The forearm and stock-neck are checkered and are of fancy grade walnut. These were special order shotguns and were made in many different variations.