What's So Special about this Winchester Model 12?

The Winchester Model 12 is a classic shotgun in every sense of the word, but aren't RIAC videos typically reserved for historic, high art, or ridiculously rare arms? What's so special about this Winchester Model 12?
Watch and find out what makes it so memorable and how, if you're lucky enough to win, you'll have bragging rights so long as you own this one-of-a-kind shotgun.
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[@sonnygunz9207]

I have one with 73 years of honest wear and she still slings lead like the day she was born. Love the model 12.

[@sk8traveler727]

I recently started hunting and use my great grandfather's Model 12 from 1926.

[@trentneal4219]

Mine was made in 1913 still shoots like she's brand new!!!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

The Model 12 is like the Sig 210, it does not wear out-it wears in.

[@mauriceedward9723]

Yep hands down overall best shotgun I've ever owned. Its simply the toughest by far an I can slam fire her faster then any automatic shotgun. I did manage to break my firing pen in 3 places lol. But I also shoot 3 an 3 1/2 shells all the time through her. The barrel is a fucking beast.

[@mauriceedward9723]

@@turtlewolfpack6061 yep she operates at peak when you man handle her an let stay little dirty. I cleaned mine up to good in past an she didn't act right. I can see why it graced 4 wars.

[@datasailor8132]

My dad worked for Olin from about 1937 until 1982. In my elementary school years we lived in McIntosh, Alabama, where dad had managed the construction of and the subsequent operation of the Chlorine plant there. In 1955 for my tenth birthday I received a 16 ga. Model 12, field grade, modified choke, 28” bbl. I still have it at 76(next week). Dad obtained it from the “Company Store”. I neglected to explain the “Company Store” comment above. The plant was the Mathieson Alkali Works plant. Mathieson merged with the Olin Corporation becoming eventually just Olin. Olin at that time owned and still owns Winchester. Dad really did get it from inside sources.

[@davezemba9109]

Great story. Can you imagine what people would think if you gave a 10 year old a shotgun for their birthday today. I received my 12ga. at 13 for a Christmas present. I guess we were lucky to live back in the day.

[@martinswiney2192]

I have the exact same Model 12. Alabama boy myself. 16 gauge modified 28 inch barrel. Handed down from my daddy to me. Love it.

[@rickmay2734]

I have the same model 12 16gauge it was my dads

[@Chalz108]

I have 20 gauge model 12 from 1941 that was my great great grandfather's pheasant gun. I absolutely love the slam fire

[@Grizzly406]

My 1897 12 guage is older than dirt and still slaps the shells. Absolute beast of a 12 guage.

[@johnthonig1692]

I have one as well along with a Model 12

[@victorh.truman3954]

Mine is 106 years young. My Dads dad had it as a young man before he shipped out to ww1.

[@jasontodd1141]

Mine here is 105 years old as well I believe, based on the s no. Shined her up but still left her original color and tightened up the stock and what not and shoots just like it always has

[@brianp8144]

Mine is 106 as well.

[@rmwtsou]

Mine is 67 years old, same as me.

[@Mountaineer1980]

Mine is 111 years old 20 ga

[@ahmetemreyilmaz]

Could never regret a Win. shotgun 👍

[@Superplums]

My Dad gave me his and he got it from his Dad. Still works great!

[@rmwtsou]

Mine is a Model 12 Heavy Duck made in the same year as I was born, 1953. Functions flawlessly!

[@user-tj8hq3so2m]

A fellow talked me into selling my heavy duck.. Paid me 7oo.oo worst deal I ever made.🇺🇲🙊🙈🙉🇺🇲

[@Vtwin60]

Models 12s come from a time when they were all hand machined and fitted. They run smooth like a Swiss watch not sloppy or rough like a Remington or mossberg

[@bradhagemyer7722]

That's why the action is so bitchen... makes sense too.. TY..✌️

[@chefdan87]

My grandfather left me his when he passed. He was a meticulous man and kept it in pristine shape. I brought it hunting a handful of times to have a continued connection with him but now i keep it stored in my safe to preserve it for when the time comes to pass it down to the next family member.

[@jaredpeterson380]

My dad had a model 12 trap gun that he passed to me when I was about 13. Vent rib, beautiful stock which I suspect was added later. Shot many roosters, a few ducks and and very nice 8 pt buck with it.

[@CREEPINGIRON]

What would be cool is a serial number twelve since it would be as if there are no markings at all if that makes sense.

[@GorillaCookies]

I have a authentic 1897 Trench Gun , a model 12 civilian and model 1300 , 870 express Magnum and a couple 410 over under combo guns Along with many many other rifles and handguns. . Out of the 9 shotguns I have The 12 is by far my favorite from a shooting standpoint but my 1897 is just a wicked Shotgun and my very favorite firearm period. And I have a few .

[@ctcollinthib]

NO. 2 Wow! I bought one of these made in 1913, and I cannot believe the expense and machining quality they put in to these for the time. Really quality firearms.

[@NYRM1974]

I have one in mint condition in the wood Winchester lined case..... Belonged to my great Grandfather...... I love it.

[@caseysimpson1806]

SF Marine. 1st Recon Bn, B co. 1978-1980. I have a 16 gauge Model 12.

[@NYRM1974]

@@caseysimpson1806 hang on to that 16 gauge Very sought-after by collectors. Semper Fi

[@kenbrogden2811]

@@NYRM1974 jt

[@martinfranke846]

Just bought a Winchester 12, 16 gauge modified. Action is tight, walnut beautiful. Bluing on barrel a bit worn, as a gun made in 1940 should be. Shoots beautifully. Now i need an 1897 Winchester, a model 37 Featherlight Ithaca to complete the collection. Had a Marlin 1898, but had a 2-9/16 chamber and wouldnt eject plastic 2-3/4 shells, so i sold it before i blew myself up.

[@tpohlen]

Mine is a youthful 98 years young with the long barrel. Grandpa's favorite pheasant/duck...remember heading out to Iowa from the east coast in December, my Dad slammed on the brakes in the middle of nowhere ran to the back of our station wagon (1973) grabbed the Model 12 ran up the snow covered embankment...heard a shot...he came back with a beautiful pheasant that we had with Christmas dinner. I used it to beat my grandfather skeet shooting so...given to me. Brother was so pissed.

[@mekkofam]

Pops gave me his dad’s model 12. 1917 build date. Still works great!

[@Boondogsaint]

Just bought one today glad I did :) can’t wait to hunt with it full barrel

[@DickReed43]

I have a Model 12 twelve gauge my folks bought for me in 1959. I still own it. It is a duck gun set up with a 30 inch full choke barrel. Man that thing does kick. At my age it would probably knock me over :)

[@caseyhenson6913]

the # 1 serial, 20 gauge is shown in the summer 2021 issue of "guns of the old west" magazine.

[@andrewurban8412]

My grandad gave me his 20g model 12 and im in love with these shotguns slam fire is a must 😂

[@bigshrek3926]

I have a 20 Ga. by the Ser. # was built in 1928 24" Full Choke. Still Shoots like a Dream!

[@brianwetzel2853]

Ahhhh, I've got serial number 70999 built in 1914. Still kicks ass and works like new!

[@ocelot3871]

mine's a 1922, picked it up at a sporting goods store. an old lady had traded it in the day before, i knew had to have it the moment i saw it.

[@johnthonig1692]

I also own a 1922

[@dennisschell5543]

LOVE my models 12! Finest pumpgun ever built!!! 😎😎😎😎😎

[@cletustollery6914]

I have my Grandpas model 12 20 gauge (nickel steel) and Dads model 12 12 gauge. Funny story on the 12 gauge is that it was handled so much at the "hardware store" (but expensive back then) my Dad (former Marine) had it reblued when he bought it. I hunted with both guns, but I have 2 daughters, and was DUMB and fell into "girls don't hunt", long ago, so I kinda gave up the sport. Thank God, times, and I, have changed and I have been shooting with my daughters for years, both have a ccw (with classes and training), college degrees and one can usually outdo me with my own highly custom Ruger 10/22!

[@trumpsagenius6914]

I have a first year 20 ga 316x sweet gun very light,also have a 12 ga and 16😁

[@evalonious]

I love my 16 ga model 12 $350... hell yeah! Back in the 90s😅

[@seetheforest]

I just got a 12 from 1919 with take down and a solid ribbed barrel.

[@rowdywood3111]

I have the same model~ absolutely love this gun and I keep it loaded and in my living room close by so that my teenage kids and wife can get to it if need be~ great great gun 👍🏻

[@headcolt58]

JUST got one TODAY for 250 in awesome shape...

[@jasonmiller6371]

The model 12 is a great shotgun! I inherited it's competitor, at the time, a model 31 Remington made in 1938 from my grandfather. It's also a great gun with a glass smooth action! Unfortunately they don't make them like they use to!

[@stephenhouser5643]

I hunt pheasant with my great grandfathers model 12 original blueing and finish it’s not the first but being made in 1925 I thought it was impressively beautiful

[@JT_70]

I inherited my granddad’s Model 12 12 gauge, 32” full choke, that my dad bought him in the 1940s. It was well used and the bluing was worn off it. I refinished it many years ago; however, it misfires and hasn’t been fired it in many years. Dad had a 16 gauge that one of my nephews now has. Dad bought my son a beautiful Model 42 .410 gauge at a gun show when son was 2 years old. He cherishes that gorgeous shotgun and occasionally hunts with it. I would love to have a 20 gauge Model 12 and dad’s 16 gauge. I would give them to my son so that he would have the complete set. My aunt, who we believe has early stage dementia, sold my uncle’s gun cabinet which was full of long guns, to a handyman working on her home for $100. She had no idea of the value and wanted the weapons out of her house. She asked me if I wanted them but before I could answer my cousin told her that they would eventually be hers and to hang onto them. Aunt didn’t listen and sold them a week later. The buyer has not been seen again since then.

[@jakeneal7355]

Man I want one of these but every time I get out my 97 and feel how bad it’s action has gotten from how old it is it makes me want to get a refurbished or new 97. And the hammer just gives a nice feel to it.

[@sirboomsalot4902]

I think you can still get spare parts

[@robertsalyers1351]

I have one for sale model 12 in 16 gauge I think it was made in 1929

[@johnthonig1692]

@@robertsalyers1351 how much? 💰

[@Jumanji2395]

I purchased my first shotgun/gun awhile ago, a friend of mine. Brought to my attention, was selling a shotgun. Working operating shotgun, firing pin clicks. As little did he know about firearms, he was told it was a Remington. i didnt know much either, so talked him down to $30, he took the offer. Then when I was taking a closer look, I saw it is a winchester model 12. 12g, 2 3/4, 30" barrel. After a good cleaning. It's a fine piece of American made art, waiting to shoot it. I think pretty much took off like a bandit

[@martinswiney2192]

Whats so special about my 16 gauge Model 12? Its the one my daddy put in my hands as the first shotgun I ever fired. Its the one he told me never to sell. It was the gun that helped feed his family when he was a boy in depression era Alabama and post WW2 also. No deer to be found back then. Rabbits n squirrels mostly. Btw. I place a higher value on my Model 12 than any amount of money you have. Why? Cause my daddy said so.

[@caseysimpson1806]

I have a 16 gauge Model 12, made in 1937. Like it so much, I may get another.

[@CentralVAProductions]

Casey Simpson I got a 16 gauge too! Mine was brought brand new in ‘59

[@caseysimpson1806]

@@CentralVAProductions Mine was mfg. in 1937. I purchased it from an owner who owned it for 20 years.

[@charredballs8786]

I inherited a model 12 from my great great grandfather and I intend on keeping it because my grandfather bought one by picking potatoes. And he was paid two cents per pound.

[@toxophilite3162]

When I was 18 yo my father called me from Denver and told me his broker had a model 12 12ga for $50.00 bucks, did I want. Hell yeah! I'll pay you when you get home. I'm 68 now and still have it. Best shot gun I've ever fired. Taken many upland game and many clays with her.

[@macknewman835]

I sold a model 12 20 ga. over 32 years ago. I still regret it.

[@jericho7613]

Just got my 1 st gun Winchester 140 ranger it all kinda of broke up but it still shoots real good I reckon my uncle said so I ain't shot it yet

[@boholde2757]

I just inherited what was my Grandfathers Model 12- 12 gauge. Serial number dates it back to 1923.

[@henryroop3671]

Just got mine from my grandfather, it was given to him by his father in law

[@tymz-r-achangin]

The 'rings' in a forend are originally called a rat tail. I have a 1930's Sears catalog that has a Stevens rifle with the same style forend which is labeled as a rat tail

[@chrischiampo7647]

It’s Going To Be Awesome 😀👍🏼

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

Thank you. You are always so supportive of the channel and we appreciate that!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Rock Island Auction Company Thank You For The History And a Look Into These Fascinating Firearms That Many May Otherwise Not Ever See I’ll Always Support This Channel 😀😊👍🏼

[@sargefreedom1578]

My grandfather had a 12ga. Model 12. It was handed down but not to my dad, the family member that got it, sold it. Money was more important to them than heirloom heritage

[@maverick3576]

Can't wait to see what a serial number is worth

[@seetheforest]

How about an update.. What did this sell for?

[@DelEast740]

I have a 1938 Winchester model 12 my grandfather would hunt pheasant with in Tiffin Ohio. I am turkey hunting with it this spring.

[@James-ki6xi]

What did it sell for?

[@DEVILDOG1964]

TOTALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE RELIABLE AS A TIMEX!!

[@JWick-hz6yt]

Pre 1964 they did not have serial numbers the #2 on the barrel and receiver tells you that it is a 20 gauge.

[@wally9500242]

I gotta ask 🤣😂 what choke does it have?

[@artwilmeth6944]

I have a MOD 12 / 20 ga it fires well and ejects spent shells but does not load from the magazine tube to the receiver. Any idea what is wrong with this weapon ?

[@timothytietz9194]

Check serial number for a date. May be a 2.5 inch chambered gun. Pre 1925.

[@timothytietz9194]

Or shell release from mag tube in receiver.

[@stevenford4313]

I have a 1932 20 gage in great condition.

[@757Sportsman4Life]

Just inherited a 1912, 16 gauge.

[@Retired1sgt1]

Where is the second Barrel, they came with 2 Barrels with different Chokes

[@rowellcontillo8594]

how much winchester model 1912 shotgun?

[@dougt6887]

Would love to know the story of that no.2 gun or maybe not!(sat in a safe for 111 years)

[@leroymorris6036]

Cool ole gun

[@KNIGHTRACEDOTCOM]

maybe the best pump money can buy. I bought a 16 ga. not long ago for $400 people said it was outdated and not good for anything. LOL 16 maybe the best for quail and pheasant. can serve as self defense tool.

[@jman95510]

Wow. I can’t believe so many of today’s gun buyers don’t know how valuable these guns are. They would rather pay more for a new black shotgun than a model 12. I guess it good news for the rest of us.

[@KNIGHTRACEDOTCOM]

@@jman95510 there amazing well built. Good fo us who like the 12

[@nsmerilli1]

Are you going to do a follow up video on how much it sold for?

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

Generally we don't, but I'd be happy to put it in a reply after the auction.

[@nsmerilli1]

Rock Island Auction Company that would be great. Thank you very much.

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

@@nsmerilli1 Serial #2 sold for $34,500.

[@nsmerilli1]

Rock Island Auction Company wow!! That’s impressive, thanks for posting

[@thedoubleB15]

What did thus gun end up selling for?

[@vapeking466]

$34,500.00

[@howardcooper9405]

My favorite pump ever

[@adtube4186]

2:54 Nice.

[@bradhagemyer7722]

I still feel that this is great home defense......

[@davidharris9077]

I bought a model 12 ( 1961) in great shape. I have only owned a few pump action shotguns so not sure if this is normal, but if I don't keep foward pressure on the fore stock when I fire, I can't cycle the action after I shoot. I have looked at several KZbin videos and don't have an answer. Is this normal for a Model 12?

[@jackbowen2371]

I have this gun in 16 gauge and have the same issue. I recently took the gun completely apart and cleaned and lubed all of the action and the problem got better, only way I can replicate the problem now is if I pump the shotgun too lightly. I think she likes it rough.

[@jerrodladner3019]

Yes it's normal it keeps the bolt locked until the recoil causes the pump to move forward a little . It's a safety

[@AMF96]

Yes it’s completely normal. It’s a safety feature that you don’t even notice when shooting and experiencing recoil. My model 12 featherweight is the same way.

[@Mister_Chow_Hai]

Waiting on mine. Made in 1927!!!

[@buddysumner4022]

It only the best pump shot gun ever made, and the model 25 is a close second

[@Olds_Gold]

Have a 12 gauge from 1938 I have yet to shoot

[@jamesappling1212]

100plus years old and still speaks with authority. How many varieties of Glocks have there already been. And will the Plastic Fantastic even be functional in 100 years?🤔😉

[@chrisparks2136]

How much did the #2 Model 12 sell for?

[@vapeking466]

$34,500.00

[@MicahSnead]

Any idea how much this sold for?

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

It sold for $34,500 back in September 2019

[@user-tj8hq3so2m]

Still have one left..shot trap killed ducks..skeet deer..hangs in rafters of my cabin...only gun i ever owned that drew blood from me cleaning it..a very fine weapon and friend..🇺🇲🙉🙈🙊🇺🇲👍

[@richardstewart429]

I've got a '97, but no model 12. Also have a LC Smith that will be 100 years old next year. I really lie them old guns.

[@christopherlyden6107]

Want would say if my dad has that 19 12 number 1

[@jcpalmer6051]

Best pump made! Too bad they quit making them!

[@stevefinley5418]

I have a square four arm a 16 gauge

[@WolvCustoms]

Jump to 1:13

[@lawrencemcmillan5431]

Mine is pre WW 2 and was owned by my father.

[@johnranallo424]

Why do you think loud heavy metal rock music should accompany this fine classic shotgun during the intro?

[@jag3217]

Corncob 13 what year did they go to 18 groves

[@davidcronin5689]

Jag 321 1918

[@azdarylbrown]

I have my great grandfather's that was manufactured in 1916 with 18 grooves

[@davidjones9518]

Best pump made

[@patrickslevin6424]

Model 12's still roll.

[@1PATRIOTUSA1]

2:56

[@airopmcsmtn]

My friend gave me one.... I am truly in debt....

[@cleanyourroom9668]

It’s not Ian for forgotten weapons

[@lescocat1501]

12 Gauge here. Was my dad’s.

[@VanillaGorilla502]

What are the Model 12, 16 gauge with compensator’s worth?

[@mikescott3377]

You should have mentioned that the receiver will only except 2 1/2" shills.

[@johnthonig1692]

??

[@1PATRIOTUSA1]

Slam fire?

[@bartonkerns1395]

I have a 1923 model 12 trap with a Nickel Steel barrel vented rim in 12 gauge in great condition works great getting ready to sell it not sure of it's value !

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

We're always happy to take a look. If you like, email us at guns@rockislandauction dot com

[@markburrell2778]

@@RockIslandAuctionCompany What did it sell for $ ?

[@martinfranke846]

Don't sell it . I have only ever sold a couple guns in my life and almost universally regret each one. If nothing else, pass it on to a friend or family member.

[@johnthonig1692]

@@martinfranke846 Exactly

[@marcielynn4886]

Reliability

[@TomFromYoutube]

How much ye want fer it?

[@RockIslandAuctionCompany]

The estimate price is between $6,500 - $9,500. It's available this September.

[@TomFromYoutube]

@@RockIslandAuctionCompany damn y'all proud of that thang.

[@TheJurgisRud]

I read this in a Slingblade voice for some reason...

[@vapeking466]

It sold for $34,500.00 lol

[@TomFromYoutube]

@@vapeking466 damn a mighty.

[@theralpha]

$34,500

[@mTravelfoot61]

My dad meant to give me his but ended up getting it taken away by police thorn on my side for awhile now

[@punjabisole23]

I have serial number 1

[@25skeet50skeet]

I have number 17