This month's On Target is about one of the rarest and most sought after guns that Winchester made: the model 12, 28 gauge, pigeon grade made in the 1950's.


(click image for high resolution photo)

This shotgun comes as new in the original box marked, "special" (special order). "Special" is a term used by the factory to designate to the workers what has to be added to a particular firearm while it goes through the production process. One of the rare options on this gun is the doughnut and post vent style of rib used (refer to picture No. 4). Other styles of ribs that were applied are the round post, the rectangular post and the solid rib. It is my understanding that all the factory vent ribs were installed by Simmons Gun Sight Co. The solid ribs were installed in-house by Winchester.


(click image for high resolution photo)

The second rarity, in my opinion, is the pigeon grade option. This consists of a better grade wood with a different checkering pattern than normally used. Also, the checkering pattern on the butt stock has what is commonly called, a tail. The internal parts were hand honed and the shell follower and the breach bolt were engine turned. The receiver extension ring also had a pigeon applied by an engraver (see picture No. 2).


(click images for high resolution photo)

The third option is the extra wood option. This means the pigeon wood is upgraded to what, I think, is some of the best factory wood I have ever seen. It is hand rubbed to a high luster at the factory. This option is seldom seen as this gun already has high end wood.

This shotgun is a skeet gun which is a configuration that has double beads on the rib. The frond sight is called a Bradley Bead. The choke is skeet which is open to shoot clay birds at a close distance. They also made 28 gauge in other field chokes. The skeet choke is the most common in this gauge.

One of the things to look for in this type of gun to determine if it is original or made from a 20 gauge is the way the roll stamp is applied to the chamber area (see picture No. 4). The letters and numbers should be evenly applied with everything being applied at the same depth to the metal. Always pay close attention to the number 28 to make sure it wasn't originally a 20. The chamber length should be 2 7/8" or 2 3/4".

Second, because this only came on the 28 gauge, you should look for the pinch on the magazine tube. The third item that is unique to the 28 gauge is the bevel of the breach bolt. Next, you need to separate the barrel from the receiver to look at the chamber ring and chamber area of the barrel. The diameter of the 28 gauge is smaller than the 20 gauge, something often overlooked when someone counterfeits a gun.

One of the internal parts that is unique to the 28 gauge is the receiver lug that the stock bolt inserts into. It should be stamped 28. This is only visible with butt stock removed. Another part that is commonly stamped is the part that lets the shell out of the magazine tube. Last, but certainly not least, is the barrel thickness at the muzzle. The thickness is more than twice as much as a 20 gauge and looks unusually heavy on a 28 gauge.

In closing this month's article, please realize the importance of the information that needs to be assessed when buying, or selling a gun of this quality. Although books are good sources of information, the knowledge that comes from experience can't be beat. Sometimes it is wise to consult an expert in the field instead of going it alone. Most experts have already learned the lessons that are acquired from dealing with counterfeiters and hustlers. Lessons they will not soon forget.

As always, when dealing with high quality firearms, remember it's important to consult with an experienced firearms professional and work with a reputable firearms auctioneer. Should you have any questions or suggestions regarding future topics for upcoming issues of On Target. Please contact me at crush@rush2arms.com

Good luck buying,
Charley

Today is Wednesday

September 8, 2010

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