Designed by T.C. Johnson. First slide-action hammerless shotgun built by Winchester. Model 12 enjoyed great success in its 68-year history, with over two million sold. A high quality, well-made shotgun that is still in use in the hunting and shooting fields across the country. All Model 12s were of take-down variety. Dropped from regular product line in 1963, but a special model was produced in the Custom Shop until 1979. In 1972, Winchester resurrected Model 12 in its regular production line in 12-gauge only, with ventilated rib. This reintroduced Model 12 was dropped in 1980. Prices listed are for guns made prior to 1964 or with serial numbers below 1968307. Shotgun will be seen in many different combinations of gauges, barrel lengths, ribs and stocks, all of which determine value. The more rare a particular combination, higher the price. Buyer is urged to be extremely cautious before purchasing the more rare combinations, such as 28 gauge. Best advice is to seek assistance from an expert and get as many opinions as possible. Prices listed are for guns in standard configurations. Note: Following applies to all Model 12s: Add 10% for 16 ga.; add 50% for 20 ga.; add 60% for 28 ga.; add 20% for solid rib; add 30% for Winchester Special ventilated rib; add 40% for milled rib; add 20% for 32" barrels; add 30% premium for original box and papers.

Model 12 was offered in several different styles:
1. Standard Grade: 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge; plain, solid or ventilated rib round barrels; standard lengths 26", 28", 30", 32"; plain walnut pistol-grip stock; grooved slide handle. Built from 1912 to 1963.
2. Featherweight: same as above; lightweight alloy trigger guard. Built between 1959 and 1962.
3. Riot Gun: 12-gauge only; 20" round choked Cylinder; stock same as Standard Grade. Built between 1918 and 1963.
4. Trench Gun: chambered for 12-gauge only; 20" round barrel; ventilated hand guard over barrel; fitted with bayonet lug; all metal surfaces "Parkerized"; these shotguns should be U.S. marked as a military firearm. Introduced in 1918 and built for U.S. Armed Forces on special order.
5. Skeet Grade: chambered for 12, 16, 20, and 28 ga.; 26" round barrel; solid or ventilated rib; select walnut checkered pistol stock; special checkered extension slide handle (longer than standard). Built from 1933 to 1963.
6. Trap Grade: chambered for 12-gauge only; 30" round barrel; solid or ventilated rib; select walnut pistol-/straight-grip stock; checkered extension slide handle. Built from 1914 to 1963.
7. Heavy Duck Gun: chambered in 12-gauge only; 30" or 32" round barrel; plain, solid or ventilated rib; plain walnut pistol-grip stock; fitted with Winchester solid red rubber recoil pad; plain grooved slide handle. Built from 1935 to 1963.
8. Pigeon Grade: chambered for 12, 16, 20, and 28 ga.; standard barrel lengths; choice of ribs; special order shotgun; will be seen in many different variations; most were factory engraved. Built from 1914 to 1963.