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December 19, 2025
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First timer here. I’m a Michigan FFL, but this one isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, as I primarily deal in newer guns. Hoping some of you Winchester historians can help to educate me.
I am in possession of this Winchester Model 12, 28 Gauge.
I’m aware that these guns were frequently faked, but based off the research that I’ve done, it appears to be 100% legit (see photos). I hear terms like “holy grail” getting thrown around for this gun, and there are basically zero auction results for me to get an approximation of value.
Link to Pictures. (This is a link to reddit…couldn’t figure out how to post pics here.)
My questions:
-Is there any reason to doubt that this is an authentic 28 gauge, based on the pics provided.
-What is the approximate value for this gun in it’s current condition?
-If I were to send this out for professional restoration to someone reputable (Doug Turnbull, or Roger Eubanks) would that add to the value?
At the end of the day, I want to get the maximum value of this gun, even if that means I spend some money in the meantime to get it professinolly restored. Of course I could list it on Gunbroker right now and let the auction decide its worth, but I want to do my research and ensure 100% authenticity before moving forward.
April 15, 2005
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Restoring that gun will cost you more $$$$ than you could ever sell it for. It is an authentic 28-ga Model 12, but the overall condition of the gun is going to hold it back. In your shoes, I would list it on Gunbroker as is, and let the market decide what it is ultimately worth.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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I agree the condition will hold it back – some – but it is still a desirable piece. Were it in 99% (original) condition it would of course sell for more but I wouldn’t count this one out.
If it were mine, I’d enjoy keeping it. But if I wanted to sell it, I’d start it at a penny on gunbroker and let it run. I am confident it would bring a lot of interest and a lot of bidding. I’ve also seen many examples where popular items on gunbroker sell for more than what they’re worth. There’s always the chance of ego-driven competitive bidding.
The last thing I would do to this piece is to destroy it’s originality. And as Bert states, your would not recoup your cost for that.
December 9, 2002
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I surly do agree with Bert and Steve, as it’s a decent looking piece the way it is. I also thing the .28 gauge has that going for it to the right buyer. Doing you’re own research is always a good idea. Especially where you said you’re more into lever guns. Throwing it on Gun Broker will get you’re best return it seems, in this case. There’s a buyer for everything.
As you also stated in you’re last paragraph, that you want to get the maximum value for it, but you won’t be doing that, by adding more to you’re overhead, having it redone! Both of these guys who have been around a long time, and know what they’re talking about, agree with not having it re finished.
Let us know what you decided to do, and how this ends up.
Anthony
November 19, 2006
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I want to acknowledge that there is a bit of fear and reluctance when it comes to M12 28 gauges because of the fakery. I think it’s fair to say that almost every faked 28 gauge is in very high condition. The condition your 28 gauge is in shouts authenticity. I like buying pieces I don’t have to worry about whether they’re original, or that someone is going to come along and question it.
As I stated, I do enjoy high condition pieces. However, high condition usually relegates such pieces to being safe queens. Safe queens are fine to admire but they provide less enjoyment than a carefully used piece that you can take out on a sunny day and pursue a grouse with. As soon as I saw your shotgun, I could picture myself walking down a sunny wooded path with it. There is definitely a market for such pieces.
April 10, 2021
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It’s certainly the real deal and while others may not like the condition, I for one think it’s fantastic. They all can’t be 99%, I see horrible fakes go for 5k+. Great shotgun, and heck I’d be interested in it for sure!
December 19, 2025
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Thanks to all who have provided responses so far. It definitely seems like restoration is not the way to go.
This is actually a consignment gun for one of my local customers (although I am considering just buying it from him.) If it does end up on gunbroker, I will post the link here for any interested parties.
EDIT:
After consulting with the owner of the firearm, here’s the gunbroker listing for anyone interested.
March 23, 2010
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I believe you and the owner are doing the right thing by not doing anything to this gun.If it were in Canada ,I would be bidding on it, as we speak.:)
December 9, 2002
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I also agree with you’re choice on posting it the way you did on Gun Broker. The pictures look nice, and now that you have alerted the members here, besides the viewing public, on GB, I’m pretty sure that you’ll do well with it.
Like Dirt said, “they all can’t be 99%”, as many of us finicky members realize, and really don’t expect them to be. Give us an honest looking Winchester, and used for all it’s intentions, and many of us can appreciate that.
GLWS!
Anthony
December 25, 2016
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A very nice result for the seller. 5500 bucks. Nice gun to not restore!
April 10, 2021
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Great result, considering the barrel was an inch and a half short!
December 19, 2025
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Ricklin said
A very nice result for the seller. 5500 bucks. Nice gun to not restore!
Agree. The owner of the gun was extremely happy with the result.
He had offered to sell the gun to me for $3500, which I declined. I’m kicking myself now for not taking the deal. 
March 23, 2010
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Dirtman324 said
Great result, considering the barrel was an inch and a half short!
I am thinking it was probably a 26 inch barrel.The way some people measure Model 12 barrels is not always the correct way.:)Just my thoughts on the barrel length listed. 🙂
March 23, 2010
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ChapelHillBob said
Ricklin said
A very nice result for the seller. 5500 bucks. Nice gun to not restore!
Agree. The owner of the gun was extremely happy with the result.
He had offered to sell the gun to me for $3500, which I declined. I’m kicking myself now for not taking the deal.
We all do things like that.Hind sight is always 20/20.:)Nice gun,if it had been in Canada I would of bid on it myself.:)
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