When Winchester reintroduced th model 12 back into regular production in 1972 they added a Y prefix to the serial no. The gun control act of 1968 required all gun manufacturers to use letter codes. Custom shop model 12's which were still being produced after the 1964 production discontiuence will also have the Y prefix if produced after 1969. Although an excellent shotgun it was not produced with the old methods used by Winchester (post 1972 models) and does not have the collector value of the pre 1972 models. hope this helps. RICH
This will not fit a model 12
Your Y-series gun was made in 1973.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1950.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1956.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1928.
The "Y" series Model 12s were all made in the 1972 - 1975 time period. Being post-1963 production guns, Winchester marked them with a "Y" to identify that fact.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1939.
Your model 12 Winchester shotgun was made by Winchester in 1926.
your Winchester model 12 was made in 1970.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1937.
Your Winchester model 12 shotgun was produced by Winchester in 1936.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1947.