Category: All About Guns
Combining hard-hitting authority with light, responsive handling, the 16-gauge Winchester Model 12 could well be the most capable version. 
An evolution of John Browning’s pump-action Model 1897, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun was designed by T.C. Johnson and introduced in 1912. Winchester had enough confidence in it to market it as “The Perfect Repeater,” and time would validate that claim. It has an internal hammer design and was the first truly successful pump-action shotgun with that feature. Nearly two million were manufactured over the gun’s 52-year run.
First-year guns were all 20 gauge. In 1913 16- and 12-gauge versions were added, and the latter required a much larger frame size. Although 12-gauge versions are considerably bulkier and heavier, they proved to be outstanding waterfowl guns. Some 20 years later, a 28-gauge version was added, and it’s certainly the rarest Model 12.
Of all the bore sizes, the 16 gauge boasted the best combination of authority paired with easy carry and handling characteristics. Importantly, 16-gauge guns were built on the same frame as the 20-gauge versions, rather than the bigger, heavier 12-gauge frame. As a result, they carry like the slender, responsive 20-gauge Model 12s—lively, as a fine upland gun should be—yet hit with authority akin to that of a 12 gauge.
My first proper shotgun was a 12-gauge Model 12, and I still love it. However, unless loaded with a premium malleable non-toxic shot like Bismuth, it’s no longer useful for waterfowling. The steel shot in modern waterfowl shotshells will ruin its barrel.
What’s more, once one has carried a light, lively gun afield for upland game, those big 12-gauge guns feel ponderous. As a result, I’ve had a love affair with the sleek 20- and 16-gauge guns for years.
Because 20-gauge shotshells are far more common and much less expensive, 20-gauge Model 12s are probably the most popular among those who want to actually hunt with their guns and, as a result, are fairly expensive on the used-gun market. Blessedly, versions in 16 gauge are the opposite.
Mechanicals
Known for superbly smooth actions, high magazine capacity, and excellent handling characteristics, Model 12 shotguns were a powerful influence on how pump-action guns evolved. Takedown design is standard. Actions are driven by a single operating bar extending back from the pump into the receiver; this was one feature that proponents of later models, such as Remington’s 870, claimed was a weakness, but real-world use proved otherwise.
This push-pull aftermarket safety by Crowe is a unique modification and makes it easier to use.
Provenance
My son William found this 16-gauge Model 12 on gunbroker.com. According to the serial number, it was made in 1947.
It’s in spectacular condition, but a previous owner had a bulbous Poly Choke and an aftermarket Crowe push-pull safety installed. Consequently, its value is between $350 and $400.
I had the Poly Choke removed and a Modified choke rolled into the muzzle of the 23-inch remaining barrel. The gunsmith even managed to transfer the ivory bead sight from the Poly Choke. The gun is now 41.5 inches long, and it mounts and points wonderfully. The action is nice and tight and is extremely smooth to boot. It runs like grease on glass. The trigger pull measures 7.0 pounds, according to my Lyman digital gauge, and it’s so crisp it feels lighter.
Rangetime
When William and I took it out for its maiden run, we soon discovered that while he’s become a darn good wingshooter with several shotguns, he’s never shot a previous gun as well as he has this 16-gauge Model 12. I was also dead-on the clays with this new-old pump gun. The short, responsive gun points like a homing device.
Throughout our testing, the 16-gauge shotgun functioned flawlessly—but that’s to be expected. It is a Model 12, after all.
Model 12 Specifications
- Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms
- Type: Pump-action repeating shotgun
- Gauge: 16
- Cartridge Capacity: 6 rounds (without plug)
- Barrel: 23 in. (non-original)
- Overall Length: 41.5 in.
- Weight, Empty: 6.6 lbs.
- Stock: Walnut
- Length of Pull: 14.25 in.
- Finish: Blued barrel and action
- Sights: Aftermarket bead front
- Safety: Aftermarket Crowe push-pull safety
- Trigger: 7.0-lb. pull (as tested)
AP Photo/Seth Perlman, FileThe 2025 National Rifle Association Annual Meeting was a big one for the organization. After the membership meeting wrapped up–with a number of noteworthy happenings occurring there–the newly installed board met on Monday April 28. The election of officers did not go lock-step with what the nominating committee wished, and the so-called “reformers” managed to sweep the slate, taking control of most of the organization.
Over the last two years, the NRA Board of Directors has cleaved off into essentially two parties, with a few directors remaining unaffiliated. Previously reported, the 2025 election of board members overwhelmingly favored one party over the other.
One group self-identifies as “Strong NRA,” and is made up of what’s colloquially called the “old guard.” The other group labels themselves “NRA 2.0,” and they’re referred to as “reformers.” NRA 2.0 has alleged that the Strong NRA is made up of a Cabal of loyalists of former NRA CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.
NRA 2.0 took 66% of the available seats in the recent board election, a near supermajority of the spots. Strong NRA took the remaining 34%.
There were no incumbent directors or nominated candidates elected or reelected who were unaffiliated.
The Nominating Committee made the recommendation that Bob Barr continue to serve as president and have First Vice President Bachenberg replaced by Second Vice President Mark Vaughan, with Eb Wilkinson to take the second vice president spot.
The committee recommended keeping incumbents Executive Vice President Doug Hamlin, Secretary John Frazer, Treasurer Sonya Rowling, and Chief Compliance Officer Mensinger.
It was recently reported by Cam Edwards that the NRA 2.0 party took control at Monday’s board meeting, with them securing top leadership positions. Incumbent Strong NRA President Bob Barr was challenged by NRA First Vice President Bill Bachenberg–a proponent of reform.
As discussed in an interview with Edwards prior to the officers election, Bachenberg stated his intention to challenge Barr. Traditionally–on a handshake–officers would normally serve two years in a given position and then bump up the line. It can be speculated that Bachenberg’s challenge to Barr is what resulted in the Nominating Committee’s suggestion to remove him from the line.
Ultimately, Bachenberg secured a win over Barr, with the top three officer positions being secured by reform-minded directors. These results were reported officially by the NRA.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted by my colleagues on the Board to serve as President of the NRA,” NRA President Bill Bachenberg said in a statement. “We are at a pivotal point in our Association’s history as we work to reach out to new members, build upon the trust of existing members, and provide the gold-standard programs that American gun owners expect. As the Nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the NRA plays a critical role in protecting and advancing freedom in America.”
The final numbers are in. A request was made to board Secretary John Frazer to return the official tally, as well as the results of the committee appointments/elections. NRA spokesperson Nick Perrine delivered the election results to Bearing Arms in fulfillment of that request.
The report noted that Bill Bachenberg secured the president’s seat. The vote tally was 38 for Bachenberg and 34 for Barr, for a total of 72 votes. Bachenberg’s win comes where a 4.2% swing could have resulted in a loss. He took 53% of the votes, enough to secure more than a simple majority.
Three votes could have changed this election.
The following officers–including the executive vice president–were elected “by acclamation”: First Vice President Mark Vaughan, Second Vice President Rocky Marshall, Executive Vice President Doug Hamlin, Treasurer Sonya Rowling, and Chief Compliance Officer Robert Mensinger.
Incumbent Secretary John Frazer won with 38 votes, over Bryant Lewis who took 32 votes.
The following committees were also formalized and or had members added to them:
Executive Committee: Thomas Arvas, Bob Barr, Charles Beers III, Anthony Colandro, Todd Ellis, Al Hammond, Craig Haggard, Maria Heil, Charles Hiltunen, Robert Mansell, Buz Mills, Janet Nyce, James Porter II, David Raney, Barbara Rumpel, Amanda Suffecool, Craig Swartz, Linda Walker, Bruce Widener, and Robert Wos.
**Note: The President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President also serve on the Executive Committee.
Nominating Committee: Cam Edwards, Al Hammond, Maria Heil, Robben Love, Mitzy McCorvey, Buz Mills, Janet Nyce, Susan Springhorn, and Robert Wos.
Audit Committee: Charles Beers III, Jonathan Goldstein, Theresa Inacker, Rocky Marshall, and John Richardson
Special Contribution Fund (Whittington Center) (terms ending in 2028): Al Hammond, Robert Mansell, Barbara Rumpel, and Craig Swartz.
The 2025 NRAAM is now in the rearview. NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin celebrated the conclusion of what he said was a “very successful” meeting.
“I know one thing for sure: NRA’s best days are ahead of us,” said Hamlin. “This Association is moving forward, full speed ahead, to support the shooting sports, train new gun owners, and defend the sacred right to self-defense. I thank the dedicated staff of the NRA who work day and night on behalf of NRA’s millions of members and America’s more than 100 million firearms owners.”
The decisive win that NRA 2.0 saw in the board election prior to the NRAAM seems to have paid off for the reform candidates, gaining them more ground within the Association. While the members spoke loudly and clearly in who they wanted to take a director’s chair, how big is their hold now within the ranks?
With a new makeup of directors, a shakeup within the officers’ line, and the formulation of reform-minded committees, it’s time for the BOD to get to work. The majority of the Association’s legal problems are behind them–with some exceptions. The voices of the members have been communicated to the board, and everyone will have to see who listens and who does not.
According to the NRA, the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place in Houston, Texas, from April 17-19, 2026.
The complete list of election results as sent by Spokesperson Perrine is below:
President
Bill Bachenberg – 38
Bob Barr – 34
First Vice President
Mark Vaughan (by acclamation)
Second Vice President
Rocky Marshall (by acclamation)
Executive Vice President
Doug Hamlin (by acclamation)
Secretary
John Frazer – 38
Bryant Lewis- 32
Treasurer
Sonya Rowling (by acclamation)
Chief Compliance Officer
Robert Mensinger (by acclamation)
Executive Committee
Thomas Arvas
Bob Barr
Charles Beers III
Anthony Colandro
Todd Ellis
Al Hammond
Craig Haggard
Maria Heil
Charles Hiltunen
Robert Mansell
Buz Mills
Janet Nyce
James Porter II
David Raney
Barbara Rumpel
Amanda Suffecool
Craig Swartz
Linda Walker
Bruce Widener
Robert Wos
**Note: The President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President also serve on the Executive Committee.
Nominating Committee
Cam Edwards
Al Hammond
Maria Heil
Robben Love
Mitzy McCorvey
Buz Mills
Janet Nyce
Susan Springhorn
Robert Wos
Audit Committee
Charles Beers III
Jonathan Goldstein
Theresa Inacker
Rocky Marshall
John Richardson
Special Contribution Fund (Whittington Center) (terms ending in 2028)
Al Hammond
Robert Mansell
Barbara Rumpel
Craig Swartz