The Definitive Guide to the Winchester Model 1912/12: A Collector's Handbook to The Perfect Repeater, Grades, Variations, and History (Firearms History) Hardcover – February 28, 2026

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE WINCHESTER MODEL 12For over fifty years, the Winchester Model 12 reigned supreme as "The Perfect Repeater." Milled from a solid billet of steel and requiring extensive hand-fitting, this hammerless shotgun established the benchmark for reliability, smoothness, and craftsmanship that remains unmatched to this day. More than a firearm, the Model 12 is a piece of industrial art, equally at home in the trenches of World War I and on the competition line of the national Trap circuit.Authored by Scott L. Buttrick, who carries on his family's legacy with his own cherished Model 12s, this definitive guide provides the collector, historian, and shooter with essential, in-depth knowledge on every aspect of this American classic.Inside, you will find:Engineering Perfection: A detailed look at the genius of T.C. Johnson and the mechanics of the smooth enclosed action, including its robust rotating bolt and famous takedown system.Collector’s Code: Critical guidance on decoding serial numbers, authenticating factory proof marks, and accurately dating your firearm across the four gauges: 12, 16, 20, and the rare 28-gauge.Variations Uncovered: Comprehensive details on all major configurations, from the utilitarian Trench Gun and Riot Gun to the elegant Trap Grade and the ultra-rare Pigeon Grade.Maintenance & Care: Expert advice on cleaning and preserving the tight tolerances that give the Model 12 its legendary feel.Whether you are seeking to authenticate a valuable family heirloom, restore a field gun to its former glory, or understand why the Model 12 remains the standard by which all pump-actions are judged, this book is your essential guide to the history and mechanical brilliance of the Perfect Repeater. Read more