Winchester Model 59 12 ga. shotgun

[mach1.3]

I have a Winchester Model 59 12ga. I inherited from my father. It seems to be in good condition. I have been told that this gun is unsafe and can be dangerous to fire. The gun is very light and should be a perfect quail gun. BUT--I don't want to endanger myself or hunting buddies if there any truth these accusations about safety. Anybody have experience with this shotgun?

 

[Armored farmer]

I have one.
It was my grandfather's quail gun. He was an avid quail hunter. probably why I am also.
About the gun.
It's light weight is due to the fact that the barrel is made with a steel core tube wrapped in fiberglass. the reciever is aluminum. Some think it may not be stout enough for heavy loads, slugs, etc.
My grandfather used his in some early deer hunts around 1970 and I remember him shooting slugs through an improved cyl bore.
Great gun, I take mine along once or twice every quail season for nostalgia mostly....but I wouldn't be afraid to hunt quail with it at all.

 

[mach1.3]

Thanks kb. I thought it was b/c of the fiberglas barrel or alum. receiver that the rumors about safety started. I will probably only put light AA target loads through this gun for dove and quail.

Anyone know where I can obtain an owner's manual or takedown info. for inspection and cleaning purposes? The gun probably hasn't been shot in over 35 yrs.

 

[rcmodel]

Rat Cheer!

http://stevespages.com/pdf/winchester_59.pdf

Winchester stated that the Model 59 is "able to handle all available 2 3/4" loads without adjustment." At the time that would have included everything from light target loads to 2 3/4" Magnums.

I would take them at their word, as I have never heard of a Model 59 blowing up or anything.

rc

 

[mach1.3]

Much thanks rc for pdf of win 59. This weekend will be takedown, clean and inspect time.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I've got 2 of them.

The only issue I had was 30 or so years ago. There is a support affixed to the bottoms of the barrels that the screw at the end of the forearm goes through. It keeps the barrel aligned and in the reciever. I had one come off/unglued/epoxied off of the barrel.

The steel sleeves can pit out, and seem to more than most barrels.

I haven't looked for any for sale in a good while, but I imagine there are still some out there. It's worth buying 1 or 2 as you come across them. Pick up some with different chokes (fixed) and you increase the versatility of the gun.