Inherited Winchester Model 12

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lpsharp88

lpsharp88

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Like the title said, I inherited my great grandfather's Model 12. It's a 20 gauge that was made in 1929. I'm gonna tear it apart sometime today hopefully and look it over, clean it, etc and make sure it's in good working order. Is there anything I should watch out for? Any and all information about it would be greatly appreciated. Pics to follow
 
Great old shotgun. Probably won't need more than a "takedown" cleaning rather than a detail strip. Might want to have headspace checked and if needed, the headspace ring adjusted. Big still use a Model 12 for skeet.
 
I just plan to do a field strip. I'd just like to look at the receiver, bolt, etc and check for any rust or other issues. Would low recoil ammo be a good idea when shooting this?
 
Yes, and no steel. Trap and light (3 dram and under) game loads will be fine. Check the headspace, it's the one thing that goes one these. Nice looking Model 12!:thumbup:
 
Let me guess, gotta have go/no go gauges to check headspace? If so, gotta buy some or locate a smith who can check it for me
 
Open the action and run your finger up along the receiver recess where the bolt locks up.
It should be smooth, with no ragged edges where the bolt has beaten it up being fired
w/ the trigger depressed "as fast as you could cycle the slide"
 
If by headspace ring adjustment, you mean the barrel adjustment, that can be done in two minutes with a swiss army knife. Its what I used on mine. So simple a cave man can do it. No gauge needed for that, just taking up play in the takedown between the receiver and barrel.
 
Love the M12s. They killed a lot of enemies during WW2 and they can be "slam fired" which means you hold down the trigger and pump pump pump! The gun will empty itself in short order! Great for clearing out a trench or Japanese spider hole!! :evil:
 
The rib is rare for that age of m-12. 20 gauge is also rare. Great looking gun. I guess you have been warned about the lack of a trigger disconnect, It will surprise you the first few times it happens when you are going for a fast double.
 
Yes. If you're faced with a crowd of bad guys in front of you, you might not be as worried about it at that point, but otherwise, I recommend not doing it.
 
Mine is a 1927 also. It was dirty as heck when I got it. My grandpa got it for his 8th birthday and I don't know if it was ever cleaned. There are a few YouTube videos that walk you through the process.
 
I partially tore it apart and cleaned it last night. I got the barrel cleaned up, and it's mirror finish, amazing looking considering its age. I don't have the correct size screw driver to field strip the receiver, so I'm gonna pick one up, and maybe some penetrating oil just in case and get that cleaned up and hopefully shoot it sometime soon.
 
entropy said:
Yes, and no steel. Trap and light (3 dram and under) game loads will be fine. Check the headspace, it's the one thing that goes one these. Nice looking Model 12!:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Howdy

Good advice for a 12 gauge, but not for a 20 gauge. Keep the loads to 2 1/2 drams and under. That shotgun probably is chambered for 2 3/4" loads, so no 3" shells. And yes, lead only.

Yes, be sure you keep your finger off the trigger when you work the action or it will slam fire. Will really surprise you the first time, so ALWAYS make sure the barrel is pointed in a safe direction EVERY TIME you work the action. Probably won't hurt it, but probably not a good idea to make a practice of it. You're not sweeping out any trenches.

I have 3 Model 12s.

This is my Trap model, made in 1948. I shoot Trap with it every week.

modeltwelvedeck_zpse3f5ab48.jpg




This one is a field model made in 1924.

model121923_zps8b6e7f5c.jpg



Another field model, made in 1914.

model12older_zps94223f95.jpg
 
My neighbor the gunsmith did a steady business cleaning and repairing Model 12s and A5s. They tended to be neglected and often all that was required was cleaning out a generation's worth of fouling and woods duff. When mechanical repair was called for, parts were available and methods were known, but that was some years ago. One reason he quit doing it was because parts availability for the older rabbit guns got poor.
 
Jim Watson said:
My neighbor the gunsmith did a steady business cleaning and repairing Model 12s and A5s. They tended to be neglected and often all that was required was cleaning out a generation's worth of fouling and woods duff. When mechanical repair was called for, parts were available and methods were known, but that was some years ago. One reason he quit doing it was because parts availability for the older rabbit guns got poor.
Click to expand...
It's how I got my start. Well, actually, I had to work on my 1100 once at the Trap range, and people started bringing me their 870's, Model12's, etc. :eek:


Nice Model 12 Trap, Driftwood! :thumbup:
 
I got a 1929 and then a 1920 in 2013 and 2014 respectively at the Puyallup gun show... before they changed the law.
 

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