[Flfiremedic]

Step father had an OLD Winchester autoloader 12 ga shotgun...you actually chambered a round by grasping the barrel and pushing it down. Anyone able to id this model...maybe have a pic of it?

[SDC]

Probably the 1911 Self Loading (S.L.), also sold as the Model 11 S.L.; http://www.okiegunsmithshop.com/win_model_11_Win_model_1911.jpg

[Flfiremedic]

Thats it! Thank you!!!

[Jim K]

That Winchester is interesting mainly because of the way the designer (T.C. Johnson) had to work around Browning's patents. One of the features of the Browning autoloader that Browning held the patent on was the operating handle; the result was the knurled barrel.

Other problems, like heavy recoil and the need to use a buffer that wore out rapidly, made the gun less than wildly popular. Only some 103,246 were made from 1911 to 1928. There is some collector interest, more than usual for a shotgun, but only if the gun is in near new condition. Many are, because the original owners fired them a few times, rubbed their shoulders, stashed the gun in the back of the closet, and went out to buy a Remington.

Jim

[Flfiremedic]

I would like to have one strictly as a collectors item. Adding it to my collectors list. Winchester Model 11, Browning A5 (need two one to shoot one to keep), Remington Model 24...others to come.

[rcmodel]

They didn't call them Suicide Specials for nothing either!

More then one guy blew half his hand or head off trying to load or unload one of the darn things.

Using the muzzle end of the barrel for the cocking handle was not the smartest gun invention anyone ever came up with.
But I guess he had no choice without infringing John Brownings patent.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[Gustav]

Most of these have long ago been set aside as collectors pieces or family heirlooms for good reasons.

The safety issue being the biggest one, parts availability being another.

As a family heirloom it is an interesting piece but if you intend to shoot it please be very careful and I hope you don't break certain parts.

A friend of mine has one that I have yet to find some of the parts needed to restore his.

Its an older odd ball shotgun but it is kinda neat to own or have around at least for a while.

Always interesting to see how firearms evolve.