Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Zebulon on Model 12 28 gauge at Morphy Auction

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:52:54 +0000

Even I know one thing to look for and auction photography should disclose it. When the gun is broken down, the gauge stamp on the face of the receiver should be "28" and, more importantly, the top loop of the "8"should not be higher than the top of the "2". The less talented fakers merely add a second "O" on top of the zero in "20". The absence of that anomaly is by no means a guarantee the receiver and a 28 gauge barrel left the factory together but, at least, you could assume the fakery was of a decent grade.

Frankly, I couldn't sleep nights after buying any Winchester 28 gauge Model 12 at current prices, unless a factory or reliable dealer record supported the originality of the gauge. Emphasis on "reliable." Boxes mean zip.

Maybe it is my imagination, but the reason for the existence of this 28 gauge pump was Skeet. While there are any number of used 20 gauge Model 12 guns kitted out with a Cutts, some roony adjustable buttplate, and plenty evidence of extensive use in competition-- such well used and modified Model 12 guns in 28 gauge are notably absent from the marketplace.

When a 28 gauge Model 12 does come up for sale, almost invariably it is a deluxe model in high condition, without any indicia of use in Skeet competition. Just Decades of protected storage in an eccentric owner's climate-controlled closet.

I am no expert on the Model 12 and mine ( a 20) is presently a Browning, as is my Model 42. Perhaps someone who collects and more fully understands the originals will illuminate the 28 gauge mystery.

tim tomlinson on Model 12 28 gauge at Morphy Auction

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:42:57 +0000

Don't you just hate that?!! Add in my seeming inability to note problems from pictures and it gets bad quickly! Tim

Bert H. on Model 12 28 gauge at Morphy Auction

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:43:30 +0000

jlb said
How would one verify this gun other than by physical examination and disassembly?

jlb

You answered your own question. Auction descriptions should never be trusted to be accurate, and they seldom if ever provide the requisite photos of the gun in question.

Bert

jlb on Model 12 28 gauge at Morphy Auction

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:13:15 +0000

The May 12th Morphy auction lists a 28 gauge Model 12 # 751304 (auction # 1432) with a solid rib and extensive aftermarket engraving with an auction estimate of $4-6,000.

I am not a buyer at auctions as my trust level is inadequate. What may I be missing from this auction item. How would one verify this gun other than by physical examination and disassembly?

jlb

Ben on Model 1897 Article in Spring WACA Magazine

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:12:07 +0000

Bert outdid himself... again! If you want to get a PhD in Winchester 1897, read & re-read the article in the spring 2026 WACA magazine. I saved it to my phone for future gun show reference...

Jim F in CT on Looking for an Auto-5 Guru

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:11:04 +0000

Zebulon said
Thanks, Jim. I've watched his videos wherein he repairs small bore, high grade Superposed guns that were badly corroded from salt cured stocks. Makes you sick to look at the guns.

It sure does! . . . .

I’ve seen a few “in the flesh!”

Zebulon on Looking for an Auto-5 Guru

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:10:05 +0000

Thanks, Jim. I've watched his videos wherein he repairs small bore, high grade Superposed guns that were badly corroded from salt cured stocks. Makes you sick to look at the guns.

Jim F in CT on Looking for an Auto-5 Guru

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:49:36 +0000

For a lot of people, Art Isaacson (Art’s Gun Shop) is their GURU for the A5!

Bert H. on WINCHESTER MODEL 12 PIGEON BLUING

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:50:23 +0000

Du-Lite solution bluing.

Doc Lane on WINCHESTER MODEL 12 PIGEON BLUING

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:46:17 +0000

Picked up a Winchester model 12 PIGEON at the Wanenmacher show today no bluing on barrel this is a Y prefix shotgun. What was bluing process on the barrels? rust or salt bluing.

Colsuper on New member...Model 12 Heavy Duck confirmation questions

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:03:01 +0000

I looked at a Model 12 Heavy Duck at auction 5 or so years ago that had a donut base rib and had "Simmons" in very light script, located even or past the end of the magazine tube on the left side. I did not see any address or other markings on the rib. After i pointed out the Simmons marking the auctioneer was somewhat annoyed, but did announce that it was a Simmons rib and not a Winchester rib.

Kevin

jlb on New member...Model 12 Heavy Duck confirmation questions

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:40:09 +0000

My 28 gauge Model 12 has a donut rib that for years I thought was an unmarked Simmons rib. On very close inspection under good light and my fly tying magnifier I can see a script signature for Simmons. Thus sometimes the markings are very faint at least to old and not so old eyes.

I have attempted to add an image but alas my computer skills resemble my 5 stand shooting.

jlb

Steven Gabrielli on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:14:02 +0000

Ah thanks to you all.

Bert H. on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:06:23 +0000

It is the magazine tube stop tab (to prevent ramming the forward end of slide handle into magazine band when taking the gun down).

Bert

MidwestCrisis on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:52:39 +0000

My 97 has the same thing. I thought it was a stop. When you lift the mag tube to take it down it stops on the mag holder