This is an exceptionally rare Winchester Model 12 factory marked “Stainless Steel” shotgun in 20 gauge, manufactured in the late 1920s during the early experimental period of Winchester’s stainless barrel production. Very few Model 12 shotguns were produced with factory stainless steel barrels, and surviving examples remain highly sought after by advanced Winchester and Model 12 collectors.
The barrel is clearly roll marked “STAINLESS STEEL,” identifying it as one of Winchester’s limited production corrosion resistant barrel experiments from the interwar period. These barrels were significantly more difficult and expensive to manufacture, and production numbers were extremely low. Stainless steel Model 12s are widely recognized today as special order or trial era guns and are far scarcer than standard blued production models.
This example is configured as a 20 gauge with a 26 inch barrel and is choke marked MODIFIED. The bore is bright, clean, and free of pitting, indicating careful use and proper maintenance over the past century.
The shotgun remains in completely original configuration. The metal shows honest, even wear consistent with age but no rust or abuse. The walnut pistol grip stock and forearm are solid with no cracks or repairs, showing only minor handling marks from normal use. Original finish and factory configuration remain intact, which is critical for collector value in these rare stainless steel variants.
The Winchester Model 12, introduced in 1912, quickly became known as ‘The Perfect Repeater’ and is one of the most respected pump action shotguns ever produced. Special production variants such as stainless steel barrel guns represent an important and fascinating chapter in Winchester’s manufacturing history and are rarely encountered on the market.
This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a scarce early stainless steel Model 12 in 20 gauge a highly collectible configuration that appeals to both Winchester specialists and advanced pump shotgun collectors.
• Manufacturer: Winchester
• Model: Model 12 “Stainless Steel” Marked
• Gauge: 20 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 26 inches
• Choke: Marked Modified
• Chamber: 2 3/4 inch
• Action: Pump
• Stock: Walnut pistol grip
• Condition: Excellent overall, original configuration
• Bore Condition: Bright and free of pitting
• Manufacture Era: Circa late 1920s
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: Model 12
Serial Number: 478042
Barrel Length: 26
Bore Info: EXCELLENT
Chambers: 2 3/4
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Action: Pump
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Stock Comb: 1 3/8
Stock Heel: 2
Fore End: Tootsie Roll
Butt Pad: Original Winchester Butt Plate
LOP: 14
Rib: Ribless
Finish: Blues
Sights: Brass Bead
Manufacture Date: 1927
Chokes: Marked Modified
Item Location: Michigan
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