POTD: Second is The Best – First Day Winchester Model 12 Shotgun
Sam.S 08.29.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a first-day Winchester Model 12. This is the second production one ever made. Think its odd that it is in 20 gauge? Buckle up and follow along. The Model 12 was Winchester’s classic pump-action shotgun, introduced in 1912 as an upgrade to the Model 1897. Designed by T.C. Johnson, the all-steel Model 12 had a smooth pump action loaded through a tubular magazine under the barrel. Initially produced only in 20 gauge, with 12 and 16 added later, it was ultimately phased out in 1964 due to high production costs compared to rivals like the Remington 870. During its long production run, the Model 12 built a reputation for quality and reliability. Though later models were chambered for 23⁄4 inch shells, earlier 20 gauges used 21⁄2 inch, and 16 gauges used 2 9/16 inch shells. Careful inspection of bore length is advised before firing modern 23⁄4 inch shells in early Model 12s.
“Offered here is an exceptionally fine, highly desirable, single digit serialized, first day production Winchester Model 1912 slide action shotgun in 20 gauge. As serial number 2, it was the second Model 1912 off the Winchester mass production assembly line in 1912! Matching serial number “2” is stamped on the underside of the frame and magazine tube. The barrel features a single bead sight, the correct first style Winchester markings, a 2 1/2 inch chamber and full choke. A correct Winchester “WP” oval proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The shotgun has the correct early production 13 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered, hard rubber Winchester buttplate. Length of pull is 13 1/2 inches. The Model 1912 was designed by T.C. Johnson and was the first of the slide action hammerless shotguns built by Winchester, enjoying great success with over 1,900,000 sold. This high quality, well made shotgun is still in use in the hunting and shooting fields across the country.”
Lot 1287: First Day Winchester Model 1912 Shotgun – Extremely Rare First Day Production Serial Number 2 Winchester Model 1912 Slide Action Shotgun. (n.d.-h). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 28, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/77/1287/first-day-winchester-model-1912-shotgun.
