Model 12 Question

[bolski]

I have a model 12 and the serial number begins with 1962.... What year is this gun? It has a very short barrel and plastic but plate. I am told its a riot gun. Just want the history and value and ,having a tough time. Thanks Guys

 

[matt.ruszala]

I've got the blue book. I'm ignorant. Who makes the model 12?

 

[pitjeep]

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/winmods.htm

 

[BUFF7MM]

I've got the blue book. I'm ignorant. Who makes the model 12?

Winchester

 

[matt.ruszala]

Thanks man!!!

Winchester

I'm here to learn.

 

[matt.ruszala]

Alright. It appears your gun is a 1963 model. If it has the prefix DU it is a Ducks Unlimited model 12 gauge. If it has a prefix of Y it stands for 12 gauge.

According to the blue book Model 12, Trench/Riot guns had contract dates of 4/1/42 to 3/21/44.
Blue finish
1941 serial #s 926558-956504 Riot long barrel
1942 serial #s 961934-1001014 Trench-riot-long
1943 serial #s 996899-1028856 all the above Mil Spec trench/riot

Pakerized

1943 serial #s 1030000-1035214 Trench
1944 serial #s 1035458 Trench
1945 serial #s 1035525 all the above Mil Spec Trench
1946 serial #s 1071586 Comm riot
1949 serial #s 1740610 Comm riot

 

[blackthorne]

Forget the Blue Book.

Model 12s were thought to be and are still thought to be "The Greatest Hammerless Repeating Shotgun Ever Built".

OP, If your full serial number is 6 digits, the gun was made in 1918. If it's seven digits it was made in 1963.

I've never seen a DU prefix on a Model 12. If this exists, it could have been put on by Ducks Unlimited after the gun was made, but this is doubtful unless done on some Y models. DU plastering their name and logo on guns is a more recent uglification of firearms.

Model 12s were made from 1912 through 1964. They were made again for a couple of years in the 1972/1973 timeframe. Those are known as Y models and are not as desireable because of investment castings used. The "Y" prefix does not mean it's a 12ga. It means that it was a post 1964 gun. Y models were 12ga only, made in Trap, Skeet and Field versions, all with vent ribs.

One of the better sources of Model 12 info is the book "The Model 12 - 1912-1964" by Dave Riffle.

 

[BlackBart]

Look at the firing pin assemble, VERY well built not like many of the cheap guns today.

 

[bolski]

So what do you all think this gun may be worth, I would say the bluing is 85% and the wood is 75%. 12 gauge with short barrel marked cal. 1968... is the serial number. Barrel length is approx 21 inches. Thanks fellas

 

[Augie]

Really hard to tell on any value without good clear pictures of the gun and the markings. Most short barrel Model 12's will be cut down field guns and have little value. Is there any choke designation back By the proof mark on the barrel such as cyl,mod or full? If the barrel is choke marked most likely its a cut down field gun.

 

[Redneck]

more info here

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=906&highlight=winchester+model