Got this from my g'pa when he died. When I looked it up it is from 1951 or 1952. He had only shot it twice but I think my uncle shot it some as well. I measured the barrel & it was over 28" but not 30". What can you tell me about it, what model Model 12 is it & probable value. Thanks.

Don't know much about Model 12's but I do know that's one fine shotgun you have.

if you got gunbroker and search "Model 12 Winchester pre 64 vent rib" under completed auctions, you should get a good idea. I would guess low end would be around $3000.

Thanks. Just tried that & the only one was a like new in the box Duck model, for $5K.
I think mine is the Super Field Grade model but I could be wrong.

I can be of no help on the value; but that sure is a gorgeous piece of hardware.

Homesteadfirearms.com Has a step-by-step method of determining which model....

P_102

Not a shotgun value expert, but that is one nice gun!

Don't think it's that high for field mod 12, maybe around 1200-1500? The Black Diamonds went up there in that shape, or even the Duck guns and possibly higher. The vent rib may have been a Simmons rib. Most the older Mod 12's if the had rib were solid rib guns,they had the Super X with 30" barrel and it was solid bib. That one has vent rin and skirted foreend so it maybe a trap gun! Most field grade didn't have ribs.

Looking at where the barrel and reciever meet I think I can see proof marks. If the gun did not come with rib the proof marks are in center of barrel and the rib would cover them. If you can see proof mark beside the rib it is Winchester rib. I had one with Winchester rib many years ago.
NICE GUN, I am not current on values.

Yes, there is a proof mark to the side of the rib, on the barrel, opposite the ejection side. I'm pretty dang sure this gun is exactly as he bought it. I'd think the butt pad is factory too but haven't been able to find any with a non solid pad from the factory.

800-1000

pretty sure that's after market recoil pad, if so, it devalues the gun significantly

Beautiful scatter gun. Don't sell it.

looks like their Duck Gun, field gun wouldn't be full choked, anxious to see what you find out. very nice gun

I am looking at one of my old gun books. This is what I am finding about your gun.Same general specifications as Standard Model 12. 12ga. only. 26-28-or 30- inch vent-rib bbl., standard chokes. Engine-turned bolt and carrier. Hand-checkered stock/slide handle of semi-fancy walnut. Made 1972-1975. Which is what yours appears to be. It also shows that is the correct recoil pad. MY BOOK DOES NOT SHOW VALUES.
IF i can help you more let me know.

I'll check again but I'm 95% sure it was made in 1951-1952. I'll run the serial number again in the morning and post back on here. Thanks!

You can get your manufacture date HERE.

Thanks. I'll check again in the morning.

Manufacture date is 1952. Serial is 133XXXX. Also, there's proof marks on the barrel and the receiver next to the rib, not under it, so it's a factory rib. This gun seems to be a bit of an anomaly as I can't find this exact build under any date and I'm sure it's 100% factory.

doing some research, if the recoil pad is marked Winchester that makes it original, which makes it very collectable.

Looks like at one point it had a label of some sort on it. I do know if fits flawlessly and is era correct but not sure if it's factory. Knowing my g'pa, it is but that's an assumption.

If you didn't know the Model 12 will slam fire (don't have to let off the trigger, just pump). I assume they are all the same..

Mine has a 32 in full. Haven't shot it in years.

I didn't know that. Thanks.

I haven't been able to figure out what exact model this is but am going to clean it up & get an appraisal on it. I was going to clean it up a bit (mostly just dust & a little old/dried oil on the action) but I was paranoid of messing it up!
3 questions:
what should I use on the metal to clean & shine it up
what should I use on the wood to 'clean' it (it's not dirty, just want it a little cleaner/shinier)
who is the Winchester guru in D/FW for an honest appraisal

Thanks!

In deed it is