1931 Winchester Model 12, a couple questions...

[bri]

My Grandfather passed away earlier this summer after a wonderful life of almost 100 years, and I was fortunate enough to inherit his Model 12:





The stock has been taped for at least 25 years after my Grandfather decided he didn't want to waste a second shell on a wounded raccoon. My plan is to fix the stock as best I can, but my question is whether or not this stock is "original".

This 12 gauge, full choke bears serial # 632XXX and from what I've found on the interwebs, was manufactured in 1931. The cracked butt plate is plastic, was Winchester using plastic that far back? Here's a couple pics:





Another question... The barrel is marked "Winchester Proof Steel", was this standard or is the barrel an upgrade of some kind?

Thanks in advance for any information you all can share!

 

[mothernatureson]

model 12

I have my grandfathers model 12, also built in 1931. Winchester changed to a different steel in 1931, and changed the designation "nickel steel" to "Winchester Proof Steel". Very well built, machined guns. The forearm looks correct, the stock looks correct at the pistol grip, but looks not quite right past the grip. Maybe its the black tape, the elongated wrist is also correct. Is the buttstock walnut, cant really tell from the photo. The buttplate appears to fit the stock really well, as having been original, at least to the stock anyhow. Winchester was supplied by black walnut from missori and iowa , maybe Illinois also?.. For a good history of the model 12 consult the book, "winchester model 12" by george madis. Its available at the usual internet places one would find books. The model 12 is one great shotgun, dont change a thing on it. they are finely crafted and work like mules. enjoy

mothernatureson

 

[mnrivrat]

Not plastic - hard rubber , and it has been around since the 1870's in the firearm industry. I think your stock is original.

 

[bri]

Interesting, never even crossed my mind that it would be some type of rubber, makes sense.

Thanks for the info guys!