Winchester Model 12 - 3" Trap
Hi Guys,
Im looking for some information on a gun that my father has. He has not been unable to get any information from anyone, including very little from Winchester themselves.
It's a Winchester Model 12, 3" Trap, 30" full choke, Serial # 840578. He has spoke to Winchester and they advised him the gun was made in the Winchester Custom Shop, and there was only 160 or so ever made. There informatiom was limited do to a fire destroying all records pertaining to this gun.
The gun has the original Winchester recoil pad, Solid Rib, and unique hand checkering on walnut. Both serial numbers match. No modification have been made to the gun, as far as we can see, or several other gunsmiths can see. The gun was produced in 1940, and as far as i know the 3" shell was not offered until 1942. Not sure how to rate it's condition. It has been stored properly for 30 years or better, and is mint in my estimation. Barrel to receiver is tight and shows no signs of tampering. The word trap is marked by the serial number. We are curious about information and value of this gun.
If anyone has any information about this gun or knows where we can find infomation it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
DS
Im looking for some information on a gun that my father has. He has not been unable to get any information from anyone, including very little from Winchester themselves.
It's a Winchester Model 12, 3" Trap, 30" full choke, Serial # 840578. He has spoke to Winchester and they advised him the gun was made in the Winchester Custom Shop, and there was only 160 or so ever made. There informatiom was limited do to a fire destroying all records pertaining to this gun.
The gun has the original Winchester recoil pad, Solid Rib, and unique hand checkering on walnut. Both serial numbers match. No modification have been made to the gun, as far as we can see, or several other gunsmiths can see. The gun was produced in 1940, and as far as i know the 3" shell was not offered until 1942. Not sure how to rate it's condition. It has been stored properly for 30 years or better, and is mint in my estimation. Barrel to receiver is tight and shows no signs of tampering. The word trap is marked by the serial number. We are curious about information and value of this gun.
If anyone has any information about this gun or knows where we can find infomation it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
DS
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Welcome to the forum waleye44! You do indeed have a rare Md 12!! The 3 in. Md 12 came out as the "Md 12 Duck Gun" in 1935. The fact that yours has "Trap" on the receiver extention is rare! From 1915 or so to about 1952 they marked the receiver or the receiver extention, with Trap or Standard Trap, or Model 12 Trap. The information you have already on the total produced in this configuration is about right. I'm not sure if I believe that this gun was made in the "Custom Shop" I would believe it was a Special Order gun. Unless there is a Pigeon engraved on the receiver extention, or it has a Black Diamond on each side of the butt stock in the wrist, just behind the receiver, this just would have been a special order gun.
Like I said you have a very rare configuration, assuming it's all original, and it wasn't reblued before your dad got it. It could go for about $1500 min. to a max of $3000. if a serious bidder wanted it for his collection. Hope this helps you. Regards Dave0
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