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August 25, 2006
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Hello, Folks,
I have a very nice Winchester Model 50 Trap Gun and I’m trying to figure out how to tell whether or not it’s a Pigeon Grade?
A 1957 ad for these guns states that Model 50 Pigeon Grade Trap guns were available on special order “without engraving or ornamentation” for an upcharge of $76.60 ($280.25 vs $203.65 for a “plain” trap gun).
The ad further states that the Pigeon Grade guns “feature many refinements not found in the standard models including an unusually beautiful grain and figure. The finish is also extra fine.”
Any ideas about how I can confirm whether or not my gun is a Pigeon Grade? Would the serial number have a prefix or suffix? Would a factory letter tell me?
I’ve seen some Model 50 Trap Guns being sold on line from time to time described as “Deluxe,” but I don’t see a “Deluxe” option in any of the old Winchester ads, so I wonder if there really was such a thing?
Thanks in advance.
Tom,
I do not believe that Winchester used any prefix or suffix letters on the Model 50, but I will have to check my reference documents when I get back home from my current trip to Oregon. What I can tell you, is that there are no records for the Model 50, so a factory letter is not possible.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
My old friend has a model 50 “PIGEON” which if memory servehas the words PIGEON GRADE on the under side of the receiver.
He is in fact thinking of selling it. I am not a shotgun guy so I wasn’t interested.
I could get pictures if that would be helpful. Don
August 25, 2006
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Thanks, Don – do you know if your friend’s gun has any engraving or inlays on it (not sure if that even makes any difference or not)?
My gun has no “Pigeon” markings, so don’t really need a photo to compare – but it would be helpful to know if his is marked “Pigeon.” That would likely put my question to bed.
Thanks again.
I have a Model 12 Trap gun that was made in 1957. This gun features a milled two pin vent rib, and a Monte Carlo stock with pleasing figure. The bolt, and shell carrier are both jeweled. The barrel is rust blued. There is no pigeon on the bottom of the magazine tube. Interestingly I have a Winchester catalog from that year, and it describes The Model 12 Pigeon gun as having a rust blued barrel, and jeweled bolt, and shell carrier. Is this a Pigeon grade trap gun. Well, l’m not sure. It has the features without the pigeon! Compare your Model 50 with A Pigeon Grade, from when your gun was made and maybe it can answer some questions.
The only marking was an A that I believe was under the serial number to indicate that it was the Feather weight Model.
August 25, 2006
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Bo Rich said
I have a Model 12 Trap gun that was made in 1957. This gun features a milled two pin vent rib, and a Monte Carlo stock with pleasing figure. The bolt, and shell carrier are both jeweled. The barrel is rust blued. There is no pigeon on the bottom of the magazine tube. Interestingly I have a Winchester catalog from that year, and it describes The Model 12 Pigeon gun as having a rust blued barrel, and jeweled bolt, and shell carrier. Is this a Pigeon grade trap gun. Well, l’m not sure. It has the features without the pigeon! Compare your Model 50 with A Pigeon Grade, from when your gun was made and maybe it can answer some questions.
Thanks – you may have burst my bubble? My gun (#6135X) was manufactured in 1956 – the bolt and carrier are plain polished, neither is jeweled. And I don’t know how to identify a rust-blued barrel. And – just as an aside – my gun sadly does not have the floating chamber with the rear tab that knocks fired hulls to the shooter’s feet.
I don’t have access to a 1955 or 1956 catalog, but thanks for your info.
August 25, 2006
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UPDATE: I poked around on the ‘net and found a couple of Pigeon grade Model 50s that are for sale or have been sold. They were all marked “PIGEON” under the serial # on the bottom of their receivers. They also had jeweled bolts and lifters and a different checkering pattern at the wrist. So riddle solved – mine is a nice Trap model, but not a Pigeon.
This is a link to the site with the best photos:
Model 50 Pigeon For Sale (Bass Pro Shops)
Thanks for all the input.
November 7, 2015
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I believe that is correct, Tom. Adler’s book on Winchester shotguns states the Pigeon Grade had extra fancy walnut, larger hand checkering pattern and maybe optional hand engraving and inlays. As you noted “Pigeon” was stamped near the serial number.
Congrats on a nice Trap Gun, I wouldn’t mind stumbling upon one of those myself!
Mike
I have a Model 50 Pigeon Grade trap shotgun, as well as a regular Model 50 trap shotgun. Both the skeet and trap Models 50 were upgraded from the field grade guns, having nicer wood, a 3-diamond checkering on the bottom of the forend, and a metal pistol grip cap. As stated above, the Pigeon Grade guns had even nicer wood, enhanced checkering, and the word “Pigeon” stamped near the serial number on the bottom of the receiver. They are great shotguns, even the field grades.
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