Winchester Model 12 Field Grade 16 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun, 28-Inch Full-Choke Barrel, 1948 Production
This 1948 Winchester Model 12 Field Grade stands out as a clean, collectible example of the company’s famed “Perfect Repeater.” Chambered in the less common 16 gauge and built on forged, blued steel with Winchester Proof Steel barrel, it retains the internal-hammer, slam-fire action that made the Model 12 a favorite in the field. A plain 28-inch barrel with factory FULL choke, paired with checkered walnut furniture, gives this shotgun classic lines and solid handling.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Light rust, shallow pitting, and scattered scratches and blemishes are present on the metal surfaces.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 12 Field Grade 16 Gauge pump-action shotgun
Built during the post-war peak of Winchester craftsmanship, this Model 12 carries a 28-inch plain barrel stamped “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL” and cut with a factory FULL choke—ideal for tight, consistent patterns.
The forged steel receiver shows Winchester’s anti-glare longitudinal serrations along the top, aiding sight alignment with the single bead front sight. The blued finish remains uniform, interrupted only by the noted light rust spots and handling marks.
Walnut furniture features factory checkering on both the pistol-grip stock and grooved fore-end. A solid red recoil pad extends length of pull to 14.5 inches, giving the gun a steady, comfortable mount.
The Model 12’s internal-hammer, slam-fire design allows the trigger to be held back for rapid follow-up shots as the action cycles—a hallmark of early Winchester pump guns. Capacity is 2+1 with 2 ¾-inch shells.
With fewer 16-gauge Model 12s produced compared to their 12- and 20-gauge counterparts, this 1948 Field Grade example offers both shooting utility and collector interest.