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I am researching the model 12, 20 gauge, 2-3/4′ chamber, particularly with the 28-32″ barrel, the 32″ being somewhat rare. I have been using the Madis book and other sources. What I cannot find are:
1) What year and s/n did Winchester 20 ga.change to 2-3/4″ chambers?
2) Was the barrel marked 2-3/4″? One would think so.
Do you have any information?
The 20ga, Model 12 was changed to the 2-3/4″ chamber around 1926. Someone else can comment on the barrel markings.
The first thing I feel important to tell you, is do not believe everything you read in the Madis’ book on the Model 12. That reference book contains dozens of errors.
Winchester changed the chamber length on the 16-ga and 20-ga guns in September of 1926, and then announced it in the 1927 catalog. Because there are no surviving factory production records, we do not know what the “first” 20-ga (or 16-ga) gun’s serial number was with the longer 2.75″ chamber. What I can tell you, is that it was somewhere in the 485795 – 487982 serial number range.
The very early guns with the 2-3/4″ chamber were not marked on the barrel. Instead, they were marked on the bottom of the receiver frame just above the loading port (see the attached pictures). I do not know exactly when Winchester began marking the chamber length on the barrels, but I would assume it was shortly after they had used up all of the older barrels still in stock.
In regard to the barrel lengths, Winchester did not ever officially offer or list a 32″ barrel for the Model 12 20-ga guns. The 30-inch barrel length was introduced November 24th, 1930.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
That is most interesting,Bert.I never knew the chamber length was marked any where except on the barrel.
It is a little known fact that only the diehard Model 12 collectors are aware of because it was very short lived.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks everyone for the information. Bert, you are always a big help. I have found inconsistencies in the Madis book, a few cases where he contradicts himself. I consider it more of a guide than gospel.
I have one serial 274958, from 1922, and the barrel is marked 23/4 Med
Aaron said
I have one serial 274958, from 1922, and the barrel is marked 23/4 Med
Your Model 12 was actually manufactured in October, 1920, and it does not have its original factory installed barrel. Somebody apparently upgraded it after 1926 when the 2 3/4″ shell became standard.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
The world of model 12 collecting will continue to be difficult and a daresay dangerous, esp. as the years roll by. Bert said it in one sentence, no factory production records. All lost in a fire many decades ago. Would love to have half the money that Bert has saved folks here over the years. Well those smart enough to anyway.
Thank you
Rick Lindquist said
The world of model 12 collecting will continue to be difficult and a daresay dangerous, esp. as the years roll by. Bert said it in one sentence, no factory production records. All lost in a fire many decades ago. Would love to have half the money that Bert has saved folks here over the years. Well those smart enough to anyway.Thank you
Rick,
Thanks for the compliments.
As an additional piece of information and to dispel another urban myth, the records were not lost to a “fire’. Instead, they were intentionally burned in Winchester’s factory furnaces to make (clear) space in their warehouses. The attached pictures were provided to me by fellow WACA member Jeff Abendshien (JWA).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I have a M12 20 Gauge serial matching 480402 that is marked for 2 3/4. I’m told it’s a 1927. Thanks!
showtimeih said
I have a M12 20 Gauge serial matching 480402 that is marked for 2 3/4. I’m told it’s a 1927. Thanks!
Your Model 12 was manufactured in June 1926, and it would be one of the earliest production 20-ga Model 12 with a 2 3/4 marking. Is the marking on the barrel, or just above the loading port?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hi Bert,
I have a 20-ga Model 12 with a 2 3/4 marking – the serial number’s are matching (1054535). It was my grandfathers, can you tell me anything about it (year manufactured), as well as the value?
Thanks,
Cam
Cam Johnson said
Hi Bert,I have a 20-ga Model 12 with a 2 3/4 marking – the serial number’s are matching (1054535). It was my grandfathers, can you tell me anything about it (year manufactured), as well as the value?
Thanks,
Cam
Your Model 12 was manufactured in October, 1945. I cannot tell you what its value is without first seeing several clear detailed pictures of the gun.
What is the barrel length? The choke marking? Is it a plain Field grade gun, or something different? Plain barrel, Solid rib, or Vent Rib?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Check this out. 1954 model 20-12 vent ribbed original everything. Having trouble uploading pictures
toolman said
Check this out. 1954 model 20-12 vent ribbed original everything. Having trouble uploading pictures
As a Guest on the WACA website, you cannot directly upload pictures. You can post a URL to s photo host website where you have pictures stored.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’ve got a Model 12 20ga that’s marked on the barrel and above the loading port. The serial is 488376, I attached a link with a couple pictures. Is there anything you can tell me about it?rn
Brian P. said
I’ve got a Model 12 20ga that’s marked on the barrel and above the loading port. The serial is 488376, I attached a link with a couple pictures. Is there anything you can tell me about it?rn
Very interesting! The s/n tells us that the receiver frame was manufactured in October 1926, and the chamber marking on the bottom of the receiver frame is what I would expect to find. The barrel on your Model 12 must have been in the first batch made with the chamber length marking. Please check the 2-digit date (year) that is stamped on the bottom of the barrel (and post a picture of what you find).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hi Bert,
Pretty interesting discussion. Based on what I read in this thread, my M12 serial#102039 likely has a 2.5” chamber. Also pretty sobering considering this was my favorite wood duck gun 40-45 years ago and I sure wasn’t using 2.5” shells. Shot many woodies with this baby. Darn.
Anyway, could a gun smith bore the chamber out to 2.75”, or is that a bad idea?? 
I’ll probably jam a dowel in the chamber with a note for my kids.
Regardless, thank you all for the heads-up on this.
Skip
W Allen Jones Jr said
Hi Bert,Pretty interesting discussion. Based on what I read in this thread, my M12 serial#102039 likely has a 2.5” chamber. Also pretty sobering considering this was my favorite wood duck gun 40-45 years ago and I sure wasn’t using 2.5” shells. Shot many woodies with this baby. Darn.
Anyway, could a gun smith bore the chamber out to 2.75”, or is that a bad idea??
Regardless, thank you all for the heads-up on this.
Skip
The s/n on your Model 1912 tells us that it was manufactured in November 1914. Accordingly, it was originally chambered for a 2.5″ shell. Because the gun is nearly 110-years old, there is no way to know if a prior owner had the chamber reamed to use 2.75″ shells. In your shoes, I would find a gunsmith that can measure the chamber to determine if it has been lengthened or if it is still original length. If the chamber has been lengthened, keep shooting it!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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