Winchester Mod 20

[MAURICE]

Hi all,
I've had this little gun for a couple of years now and have never shot it. It has mostly just sat in the corner and looks pretty.
The thing is I am getting the urge to shoot it. It was my grandpa's gun, built back in the 20s. He died when mom was 16 and when grandma died a couple of years ago I inherited it. Is it safe to shoot modern .410 loads in it? The gun itself is in really great shape. I just want to make sure modern loads won't be too much. Also, if anyone knows how to take it down it would be great. I keep it clean, but would like to be able to take it down further than just opening the action. Any help is great appreciated.

Thanks,
Maurice

 

[rcmodel]

If it still locks up tight, the gun should be perfectly safe with modern 2 1/2" shells.
It should not be fired with 3" shells.

Here is some history.
It was introduced in 1920, and discontinued in 1924 with only about 23,300 made.
That makes it a fairly rare model today, and one with some collector value. In excellent condition, it would be worth $600 or more. In Good condition, perhaps $350.

Old adds:
http://www.traphof.org/winchester-junior-outfit.htm

The gun comes apart by removing the forearm. I'm not sure if you remove the screw, or just pull down on the end until a spring release lets go.
At any rate, once the forearm is removed, open the action and the barrel will un-henge from the action.
Don't attempt to take it apart any further.

Do not sand and refinish it!

rcmodel

 

[MAURICE]

Thanks, rcmodel.
I have absolutely no intention of refinishing it. Don't worry about that. I was reading something recently about their being two other models similar to the Model 20; one in 20 ga, the other in 12. I may have to try and hunt those down. They aren't worth a bunch, but I think it would be neat to have all three, especially since they are 80 years old.
And there is no way in hell I would let it go for 600 bucks, or any amount of money. I never met my grandfather, but it means more to me than any amount of dough.

I don't see myself shooting it very much, but I think it would be cool. I think if grandpa was still with us, he would have like to have seen it get some more use.

 

[rcmodel]

I have absolutely no intention of refinishing it.

Just wanted to make sure!

SO many folks just want to grab a power sander & a can of DEFT Polyurethane and make Grandpa's old gun just shine!

rcmodel