Winchester Model 12 28 gauge skeet

[Researcher]

I suspect there are more Model 12 28-gauges with 2 7/8-inch chambers than 2 3/4-inch. The 2 7/8-inch was the length of the 28-gauge Winchester Super-Speed and Western Super-X shells through the November 3, 1948, catalogs. In the May 4, 1949, catalogs they are listed as 2 3/4-inch length. The January 24, 1955, Winchester catalog still lists the 28-gauge Model 12 Skeet Gun as being chambered for 2 7/8-inch shells. The September 30, 1955, Winchester catalog lists all gauges of the Model 12 Skeet Gun as being chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells. 1959 was the last year the 28-gauge Model 12 Skeet Gun was offered. From 1960 to the end only 12-and 20-gauges were offered with the New Winchester Ventilated Rib (aka three-pin).

A few pieces of pre-war Winchester paper list the availability of the 2 1/2-inch chambering for the 28-gauge Model 12, but I've never seen one so chambered/marked.

[6pt-Sika]

I just perused Riffle’s Model 12 book and from what I saw he said atleast to 1950 28 gauge skeets had 2 7/8” chambers . Not arguing the above just what I saw in Ruffles book and that’s not to say he doesn’t have blurbs in there to say even later I just didn’t see it if there is .

[Bill Murphy]

Dave just posted that 2 7/8" chambers were catalogued until 1955. Nothing new here.