Model 12 Super Grade.

[edgarspencer]

I have seen Model 12s referred to as 'Super Field'. but never, other than the one I own, have I seen one referred to as 'Super Grade' Is this a scarce variation? It clearly has superior wood and checkering to standard 12s, and has a matted, solid rib.

[edgarspencer]

Here's the end label from the original box, ca. 1957

[Brian Hornacek]

Picture please?

[Daryl Corona]

I've been a M12 fan for years and have never seen or heard of such. But WOW a 20ga with a solid rib is really in the Holy Grail category for me. Love to see some pics.

[Patrick Lien]

Here's the end label from the original box, ca. 1957

Edgar,
I believe that is the original box for the "super field grade". What type of forend does your 20ga have?

Patrick

[Bill Murphy]

The catalog offering used the description, "Super Grade Field Gun", starting about 1954 or 1955, corresponding with the introduction of the Special Ventilated Rib and the discontinuing of the solid rib Skeet Gun. The box label does not correspond exactly with the catalog terminology but describes a field choked gun with solid rib, checkered stock and extension forend. Fancy wood was an option, most Super Grade Field Guns having painfully plain wood. I don't know whether only some or maybe all box labels for Super Grade Field Guns were like the one pictured by Edgar. That is some scarce gun.

[Dave Noreen]

1955 --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/Model12SuperGradeFieldGun1955.jpg

1956 --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/Model12SuperGradeFieldGunDec151956.jpg

1958 --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/Model12SuperGradeFieldGunJan21958.jpg

1959 --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/Model12SuperGradeFieldGunJan21959.jpg

[edgarspencer]

Thank you for that post Dave, The last table shows it as the box says 1244 on the label. What I am curious about is why the label on this box says 'Hammerless Repeating Field Gun' on the first line and 'Super Grade 20 Gauge 26" Barrel" on the second line, but another box I have seen (12 ga) says "Super Grade Field Gun" all on one line, as shown in the catalog pages.

[Bill Davis]

That's a terrific Model 12! Thanks for sharing.....BD

[Marcus Hoogewind]

A Super Field in Imp Cyl is a very rare and desirable gun. Especially in that condition with the box! Wow.

[Bill Murphy]

Edgar, don't offer that gun to me. I just sold the best 1954 Donut Post vent rib 20 gauge Skeet Gun I have ever seen. I am selling guns, not buying them, but if you want to PM me the price.......

[Marcus Hoogewind]

I doubt he selling but if he is, I'm a buyer too! I love model 12
20's with solid ribs!

[Dave Suponski]

If he does decide to sell you guy's are gonna have to wait in line.

[Bill Murphy]

Please put me at the back of the line. Linda doesn't want any more pump guns in our house.

[Marcus Hoogewind]

Bill, I'd be happy to take some off your hands. :)

[edgarspencer]

I actually never gave any thought to selling it, Bill. I've owned it for 55 years so I guess I can make room for it for a couple more years. That is as long as no irresistible trades don't come along.

[Dean Romig]

Well, that is anything but "painfully plain wood". Very, very nice!

[Grantham Forester]

I have my Great-Grandfather's 20 gauge Winchester pump-- but it is stamped Model 1912. It is a field gun with a 25" long barrel with matted solid rib and a Modified choke. He shot doves and quail with it in GA before WW2- When did Winchester replace the Model 1912 with the Model 12. My gunsmith said the Model 1912's had shorter chambers in the 16 & 20 gauge guns, and when Winchester re-designed it into the Model 12, they made the chambers a std. 2.75" long for the more modern shells-

[edgarspencer]

Madis wrote an entire book on the Model 12, but in "The Winchester Book", he includes only basic information. It seems the Model 1912 became the Mod 12, and Model 12 about 1918.
The 20 gauge chamber was lengthened from 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" in 1925, and the 16 gauges was lengthened from 2 9/16" to 2 3/4" in 1927.
I found a nice 16 ga. in a shop that had modest freckling on the left side, and chambered in 2 9/16" but it had a more fancy checkering pattern, and despite the Poly Choke, it paid the $300 asking price. The little gun is such a sweetheart to shoot, I'll never 'restore' it.