Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Age of Winchester Model 12

fowler_huntin50
Experts,
I have a Winchester model 12 shotgun that my grandfather left me when he died. It is a 12 guage with a 29 inch barrel. The gun has two stamps on the top with the letter PW and a stamp under the trigger guard that reads #9. I do not know anything about this gun and i was hoping you could possibly tell me when it was made and how much it is worth. The serial number on the underside on the gun reads 883909. I hope you can tell me about this gun with the information i have provided.

Thank you,
Scott Boyd
0

Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • Jerryv
    This S/N was mfg. in 1941 according to Madis. The value depends on the condition and any special features. $150 to $300 would be a normal range.

    Jerry
    0
  • only winchesters
    Welcome to the forum fowler-huntin! Well with a 29in. barrel it wont be worth much. Winchester only made them in 26,28,30, and 32. You have to measure from the face of the breech bolt, (with action closed) to the end of the barrel. Or a quick way would be from the end of the barrel to the front of the receiver where the two halves meet then add an inch, it should be real close to 30 inches. Which most field grade 12 ga. guns were a 30 in Full Choke.
    The PW in an oval is the winchester Proof Mark. Winchester stamped them after test firing. the #9 is the inspector who accepted the trigger guard assy.
    What you don't say is: Is the barrel plain, does it have a solid rib, or vent rib, what is the choke, (stamped Full, Mod. Imp/Cyl)? Are the stocks plain, or do the have checkering on them? you could have a rare 30 in. Imp/cyl solid rib field gun which could be worth close to $1000. Or a Trap gun worth maybe $2000. or as Jerry said you may just have a plain old field grade with a plain barrel 30in. full choke, which could be worth anywhere from $200-$400. depending on condition. If it's chambered for 3 in shells, (it will say "For Super Speed or Super X 3 in) pre-war "Duck guns" can be worth quite a bit. Get back to us with the missing info. Regards Dave
    0
  • fowler_huntin50
    Thanks Dave,
    The information you gave was very helpful.

    I looked closer at the gun and it does have a 30" barrel, it's chambered for 2 3/4" shells, full choke, the forearm grip is ribbed(if it makes a differencem, and the butt plate is checkered.

    I am planning on displayin it and i was wanting to know as much abotu the gun as I could, so thank you very much for your input.

    Thanks Again,
    Scott
    0
  • only winchesters
    Hello fowler: Well you have a nice pre-war Md 12. The most common one made, (field grade with a 30in, full choke) It was the choice of many duck and goose hunters for many years. I still use mine on cold blue bird days! Winchester use to guarantee that the Md 12 with a full choke would pattern at least 70% at 30 yards using Winchester or Western ammo. (Long before plastic shells with the plastic cup wads). Wouldn't be surprized to see it pattern at better than 90% with todays ammo. You have a real piece of history, take care of it. Regards Dave
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity