I believe that in the first year of production, 1912, you could order as an extra what Winchester refered to as a matted rib. What Winchester meant by this I'm not sure as 1913 is generally given as the first year for a raised matted rib. In 1919 Winchester received a patent for a ventilated rib, they probably did not show up on gun until 1920 though.
The Winchester model 1894 rifle was never made with a vent rib barrel! the only Winchester made firearms with a vent rib barrel was Winchester shotguns.
The model 25 winchester which was made from 1949-1954,with a total production figure of 87,937.My research does not state if winchester ever did make a vent-rib barrel for the model 25 shotgun.It did come with either a 26in or 28in barrel.I hope this helps.
Yes.
Your winchester model 1912 pump action shotgun which was produced in the year 1942 will bring between 350-600 dollars,depending on the amount of original finish remaining,and a good bore.The plain barrel model will bring less than a shotgun having a vent rib barrel,or a matte rib(solid rib) barrel.
I can say with certainty that the Winchester model 1400 made from 1984 onward was available with a vent rib barrel.The Winchester model 1400 MK-II was only made from 1968-1972 thou,and I do not know if this option was available.
With the serial number that you provided,your Winchester model 1912 pump action shotgun was made in the year 1950.I cannot give you a value inless you describe the overall condition of your shotgun and what type of barrel it has(plain,vent rib,or solid rib.).
Your Winchester model 12 trap grade shotgun is valued at between 700-1,200 dollars for a shotgun showing between 60%-90% of its original finish remaining,and a good bore.If you have the factory milled vent rib barrel with it add 60% to the above listed values.
A Winchester model 1200 field grade shotgun will be between 90-150 dollars for a plain barrel model,100-165 for a vent rib barrel model,and between 140-200 dollars for a shotgun with the Win choke present.
The "WS" on a Winchester Model 12 stands for Winchester Skeet and it has a full solid rib and is a reasonably rare find these days. As a rule, "WS" stands for "Winchester Special", I've never heard of it in relation to a shot gun. So far as I know "WS" only refers to rifles. Where did you see the mark? it may be an inspector's stamp.
That would depend on the type of barrel with the shotgun(plain,matte solid rib,or vent rib barrel)if a poly choke is present on the end of the barrel,and what condition the shotgun is in.
Yes
The Winchester model 12 shotguns with the Y prefix were made by Winchester from 1972-1975.These vent rib barrel shotguns were hand checkered,with select walnut stocks and jeweled bolt.They were fine made shotguns that were only available for 3 years,and sold out quickly.