The Remington Model 12: Best-Selling Pump-Action Rifle of 2019

by
posted on April 1, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
remington-12.jpg

The top-selling pump-action sold in 2019, according to volume of purchases on Gunbroker.com, is actually no longer in production. It’s a classic last produced in 1936—the Remington Model 12.

Roy Marcot’s book, The History of Remington Firearms (his page with the Model 12 entry is seen above) describes it as “…one of the best-selling guns ever produced by Remington, as 831,737 rifles were made in a 27-year period…” If you’re a Big Green fan, or own one of its guns, his full-color, 128-page work is certainly suitable for a coffee table. Better yet, get a copy for reference.

The Model 12 is one of many designed by John Pedersen. The public got its first glimpse in September 1909, when enthusiasts could take one home for $12.95. It came in a dozen versions during its run, and improvements during that time were contributed by C.C. Loomis and G.H. Garrison.

Nearly all of the hammerless, solid-breech guns were chambered in .22 rimfire. Magazines were tubular, and could hold 14, 11 or 10 short, long or long rifle cartridges, respectively—capacities that were increased later in the guns run by one. The rifle fired all three without fail, a versatility that likey helps maintain its popularity.

Undoubtedly the biggest number of rifles still available are Model 12As, the basic version with a 22-inch barrel and straight-grip stock. A gallery version, the Model 12B, didn’t show up until 1910, but it was worth the wait. It had an octagonal barrel 2 inches longer than its predecessor, pistol-grip stock and savvy carnies could order an extended magazine capable of holding twenty five .22 Shorts.

The same year the Model 12C Target Rifle appeared, followed in subsequent years by the 12Cs, DS and ES. Four more, slightly different versions were introduced to enthusiasts, all .22 rimfire chambered. The Model 12C NRA Target Grade (1923) featured Lyman tang sights and ran .22 Long Rifles only, setting it apart from all the other side ejectors in the line. The FS arrived in 1914, with something of a rogue chambering for the line—.22 Rem. Spl., which is nearly identical to the .22 Win. Rimfire.

Gun owners recognize the timeless craftsmanship poured into these gems from Remington’s Ilion, NY, factory. It’s the primary reason it was tops in pump-action rifle sales last year, that and the fact that they were built to last, ammo is cheap and there’s no expiration date on rangeside fun—even if it’s behind the trigger of a gun that’s more than 100 years old.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.