Model 1912 questions

[tx22plinker]

Hey ya'll, first post here.

I have a winchester model 1912 produced in 1919 according to the serial number. I have a background of rifles (first gun I bought was a mosin nagant when I was 18), so I really only have knowledge and experience firing long guns. I actually just recently bought my first handgun, a browning buckmark URX which is absolutely awesome.

Anyways, this model 1912 was inherited and I have a few questions.

First off, this gun has no chamber length marked on the barrel, upon some research I believe it only safely fires 2-1/2in shells, is this true? I bought a few "just in case" boxes of shells that are pretty unclear about what length they are. The small brown box simply reads, "5 CARTRIDGES, 12 GA SHOTSHELL, NO. 00 BUCKSHOT, OILIN CORPORATION"... and on the side says "MILITARY GRADE MG BUCK."

I measured the shells and they come out to about 2.30 inches, I also measured some 20ga shells I've been shooting out of my beater Rossi break action that are 2-3/4in and they measure the same.

So I take it the shells don't literally measure to 2-3/4? Would I even be able to find 2-1/2 shells anywhere or are they obsolete?

Also I noticed if the firing pin has been dropped and the gun is de-cocked the slide will not move back unless I apply forward pressure to it, I also noticed the magazine tube rotates about 15 degrees when its de-cocked. I just removed the plug today and never noticed it doing that before.

Anyways, thanks for any answers. To be honest I don't see myself shooting this any time soon, just wanted to know more about it.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Before you go shoot your model 12, it would be a good idea to have a gunsmith measure your chamber. Then you will know for sure what kind of shells go in it.

If the chamber is 2 1/2", then you don't want to use those new shells you bought.

The stated length of the shell (2 3/4") refers to the length of the fired case. Using these in a 2 1/2" will make an unnecessary pressure increase in the gun. May not do anything catastrophic, but would certainly add extra wear and tear to your inherited gun.

When you get the chamber measured, and if it is 2 1/2", you can find shells for it from RST or a couple other manufacturers. Won't be able to go pick them up at walmart, tho.

The ones you bought that say 00 buckshot on them are typically used for hunting (like deer--as in shooting a buck) or home defense. They won't make very good skeet or trap loads. For that, you want a shot size in 7.5, 8, or 9. Those are much smaller pellets (and more of them in each shell) and are better suited for bustin' clays.

When you get your chamber measured you should also ask the smith to measure the choke. That's a constriction at the end of the barrel (on the inside) that helps the shot pattern as it leaves the barrel. You may want to consult the gunsmith about what shells to put in it, as some advise not to shoot 00 buck in guns with tight constrictions (like a full choke).

Learn as much as you can about your new gun before you take it out. It is always best to use shells for which your gun was designed. Model 12's are classic American pump guns and deserve a lot of respect and care.

 

[Lafitte]

It is normal for a model 12 to not "unlock" as the hammer falls when dry fired. Forward pressure on the slide is needed. When shooting the gun fully unlocks with recoil as you would expect. 12 ga. model 12 Winchesters are used extensively in Wild Bunch competition, many shooters have the forcing cones lengthened to accomodate the fully opened star crimped 2 3/4 in. shells. They are great shotguns and we run them hard.

Lafitte

 

[Jim Watson]

The 1912, later just Model 12, first came out in 2 1/2" 20 ga, then 12 ga and 2 9/16" 16 ga. I cannot find anything to say whether the 12 ga started out less than 2 3/4" or not. Best to play it safe, 2 1/2" shells are available from a couple of places.
http://www.rstshells.com/store/c/3-12-Gauge.aspx?pi=2

Also I noticed if the firing pin has been dropped and the gun is de-cocked the slide will not move back unless I apply forward pressure to it,

This is normal operation. When actually shooting the recoil causes that little forward bump to unlatch the pump slide without you having to think about it.

I also noticed the magazine tube rotates about 15 degrees when its de-cocked. I just removed the plug today and never noticed it doing that before.

This is NOT normal operation. I must consider the possibility that you got it back together wrong. You need a gunsmith familiar with the type.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Yep, the magazine is NOT supposed to rotate when operating the slide. Better get it checked out.
Post some photos, 'cause us old timers love to look at Model 12's.

 

[PowerG]

The guns were redesigned for 2 3/4" shells in 1927, before that the chamber was 2 5/8" in 12 gauge. Many older ones were modified to 2 3/4" though. It's extremely important that someone who is familiar with these guns looks it over before you try to fire it, these guns can have malfunctions that lead to accidental discharges.

 

[judgedelta]

I also have a 1912 that was made in 1919. I have had it for about 55 years and have fired about a gazillion 2 3/4 shells through it. The spring pin in the end of the magazine tube is what keeps the tube from turning. You may not have it pushed the right way. Unless it appears almost new, it is always a good idea to have someone knowledgeable check out a firearm that old. I just went and looked, and my gun is also not marked for chamber length.

 

[tx22plinker]

Thanks for all the helpful info, I'll post some pictures after work today! They are beautiful guns, the quality of manufacturing was superb in those times. No plastic or composites back then...