The Winchester Model 12 Pump Action Shotgun

The Model 12 was a take-down gun that was able to be taken apart to allow maintenance. A short pin on the ends of the magazine tube was pulled from the left top to the lower right and it was used to spin the tube by one third before disconnecting it from the receiver.

The Model 12’s forging and machined parts needed extensive and often complex machining. It cost a lot to make parts for “Perfect Repeater” as well as the Remington Model 1200 Pump Shotgun did the best.

Features

The Winchester Model 12 is a pump action shotgun built in the year 1912 (hence that name) up to 1964. The gun was used to support the United States armed forces in WWI, WWII, and during the Korean War. Thomas Crossley Johnson designed the gun, which incorporated the design of John Browning’s earlier designs, including Model 1893, Model 1893, and Model 1897. Johnson also added an internal hammer to the new gun, which eliminated the requirement to pull a hammer out prior to firing.

Model 12 became a big popularity among trap and hunting shooters. It was marketed by Winchester as “The perfect repeater.” Johnson’s secret weapon was in the way he concealed the gun’s hammer in the receiver that resulted in a modern and sleek gun with more fluid operation.

It also eliminated the need for a cocking lever, that made the gun more light and easier to use. Another nice feature was that the gun was able to be flash-fired. This earned its gun the image for being an effective close-range shotgun for police departments as well as express messengers and sheriff’s deputies.

At the time, Model 12s could be found in four different grades that included Field, Skeet and Super Pigeon. Different grades of Model 12 were distinguished by their walnut-like quality and engraving. The most expensive versions like the Super Pigeon and the Field came with an elegant hand-checkered forearm as well as stock. There were deluxe versions of certain guns, like the Tournament or the Heavy Duck Gun were even engraved.

Alongside the different variations of the gun you can also find 11 Model Configurations which distinguish the gun’s barrel length. The length of the barrel is measured starting from the barrel to where the bolt’s opening opens in the receiver. The most common models have a width of about 20 inches and are among the most used.

The gun is a great piece of American manufacturing and is an exciting firearm to shoot. Though it’s larger than many others and other guns, the Model 12 is well worth the price tag. The Model 12 is accurate as well as reliable, and is a tribute to American The past. If you’re thinking of purchasing one, make sure to check out Ammo To Go. The retailer of ammunition is partner for TTAG, and they offer large quantities of premium ammunition for sale discounted!

Construction

The Winchester Model 12 or M12, as it is commonly described today, was first introduced in 1912, and quickly was popular with hunters shooting traps, skeet-shooters and hunters. Winchester marketing personnel called it”the Perfect Repeater and for 46 years it was the gun that everyone had to have.

It was designed by Thomas Crosley Johnson, it featured a streamlined receiver machined with solid steel. It completely contained the bolt for its entire functioning process. The hammer inside fell off when the trigger was pulled. An inertia bar cam before cocking and then released an empty shell.

As with earlier shotguns, it had a tubular magazine with six rounds. The barrels and internal actions are custom-fitted and tested. They’re also precisely choke bore. The design change of the hammer located in front of the receiver just behind the safety of the cross bolt, was ergonomically better than the earlier thumb-busting models.

M12s came in Field, Skeet, Trap, Tournament and Deluxe versions, with fancy walnut stock and forearms that were checkered. Some had solid ribs, vent ribs and even polychokes. A lighter version that had A lightweight fluted barrel also available.

Thanks to its internal hammer and tubular magazine due to the internal hammer and tubular magazine, the M12 was simpler to operate than its predecessors. As long as the trigger was depressed from the last shot, it was fired each time the action closed and was referred to for its “slam firing.” It was possible to shoot as many rounds as feasible by pushing the trigger between the two. This was ideal as a weapon for the military.

The M12 was produced until 1964 when high volume production was stopped. In that time, nearly 2 million M12s were produced. It was during this time that the US Repeating Arms Company produced several M12s via collection-purchase programmes. However, the M12 did not enter manufacturing in the mass market until 1964. In the year 1970, the USRA was acquired from FN in the year 1970, and Miroku was established in New Haven Connecticut began production. While it is made by Japan there are some who insist that a genuine American made Model 12 is the only real deal.

You can also Design Your Own

In 1912, the Model 12 was developed by Thomas Crossley Johnson, one of the greatest engineers at Winchester, the Model 12 was a major departure from its predecessor, it was the Model 1897. Model 97 was a great shotgun. Model 97 was an excellent shotgun, but it had many design faults that the Model 12 fixed. The hammer that was exposed, for example was unsightly and could easily cut your thumb when you pulled it away. Johnson came up with a solution to cover the hammer with the sleek, enclosed receiver.

Hand-fitted internal parts made of cast steel were employed. The barrel was tested and then precisely bored. The magazine was a tube that held 6 shotshells of 2 1/4 inches each and was secured at the barrel’s front. Safety was located in the front of the trigger guard and ergonomically better than cross bolt security. This Model 12 was available in two gauges, 20 and 16, as well as a.410 It was also sold in Field, Pigeon Grade, Super Field, Duck Gun and Skeet and Trap Buywinchester competition grades with various grades of walnut and engraving.

The Model 12 was favored by the majority of athletes. It dominated the market of pump guns for over fifty years up until 1964 when it went from production. Danny Michael, curator at the Cody Firearms Museum, calls the Model 12 “one of the most recognizable firearms in American history,” and says it’s an excellent piece of equipment for collectors as well as shooters.

The Model 12 was the first production shotgun with an internal hammer. This made it much easier to load and shoot than its competitors. Tube magazines are an important factor, since it was easy to load, quick to cycle, and provided higher capacity than pump action shotguns.

Model 12 was a Model 12 was produced by Winchester from 2006 (though Special production Model 12s were made by special collector purchase programs through 2014.). It was the most successful and well-known pump action shotgun to ever be made, but it wasn’t without its issues. The Model 12 is a common model to require extensive repairs or parts replaced following years of usage. But for the most part it was a reliable model. Model 12 was rugged and dependable, and it remains a top choice for keen shooter.

Reloading

The Winchester Model 12 dominated the market for pump guns throughout its 52-year run. It was popular with sportsmen and saw combat in the four conflicts. It remains one of the most popular shotguns in the marketplace to date. If it is in good shape it is able to fetch anywhere from $800 $1500 or more.

The Model 12 was the brainchild of legendary Winchester engineer Thomas Crosley Johnson. His concept was founded on the principles of reliability, shootability and power. Also, an internal hammer was added as well as the streamlined receiver, which included the bolt.

The Model 12 was designed to be lighter to load as well as more intuitive than other guns. It is also simpler to use for novices. The Model 12 had tubes for magazines as well as an action bar-cam that engaged the hammer as the forearm was pulled backwards, then Buywinchester fired the shell and ejected the cartridge that was empty. It was available with Field, Skeet and Trap variants, each with a vent and a an ribbed barrel that was solid and different choke sizes.

Certain models were outfitted with a Cutts compensator and later a Polychoke. The Model 12 was different from others pump shotguns of the time as it was not equipped with a disconnector for the trigger and could be fired by slamming the handle.

A testament to the long-lasting durability and high-quality of this famous shotgun the model of my father’s Model 12 has been in regular use for more than 90 years, and never needed any major maintenance. The smooth action can still be able to cycle multiple shells using the use of a couple of pumps. In the event that the bolt or action bar release is difficult to move, it can require some gunsmithing in order to get them operating properly.

The Model 12 was a huge success with athletes and remained in production until it was discontinued in 1964. The Model 12 was eventually replaced by the more affordable Remington Model 870. It was the Model 12 was a high-end shotgun. However, the cost of production and loss of market share forced it to be discontinued. In the meantime, Winchester Repeating Arms Company, who was reestablished by the government in 1994, is continuing to make high-quality guns including the Model 12 Pump Shotgun with concealed hammer.