Model 1912, Grampa's Grampa's gun

[rmuzz]

I was recently given a Winchester Model 1912 20 gauge, full choke on my birthday. Its history in my family goes at least as far back as it being my great grandfather's, but I've checked the numbers on one site and it shows the date of manufacture to be the year 1913. That out dates my great grampa by a bit, making me think there was a good chance he got it from his dad. Its been around the block, and there isn't much bluing on it and a small crack on the stock. I've done some checking on Gunbroker, and it appears to be much more sentimentally valuable and not so much collectible in the condition it is in. The wear doesn't bother me that much, Grandpa Ed was responsible for that and I liked him a lot

I have no idea if it is short chambered, or if it takes 2 3/4." I am planning on taking it to a gunsmith in my area to go over it, if it isn't able to take 2 3/4s currently is there any reason not to have it re chambered? Im looking at a place that quotes $75 for the conversion (online, no phone call yet). I'd like to be able to shoot it, even if I'm going to just keep it safe for a while I want to know how she shoots.

Oh, and I'm also a knucklehead and I can't figure out how to put it all back together after cleaning it (receiver, bolt, trigger group) I've done some searching for guides online, and I'm still out of my league. I'm new to shotguns, please don't judge me to harshly. Anyone know of a really good resource for instructions?

Anyways, I'm still very proud... here are some pics.

 

[DFox]

I think it's pretty neat that you own a rifle that's been in your family for such a long time. My dad is the only gun owner that I can readily identify on either side of my family, but I hope to one day pass on his guns to my children, etc.

 

[chas08]

Get on ebay and type in "Winchester Model 12 do everything manual" I have one of these and it's invaluable the first time you take one of these apart. About $7 plus shipping...Oh...and congratulations on owning a piece of Family and American history.

 

[ArmedBear]

No need to have it rechambered unless you want to use it a lot.

To go have fun with it, get some short shells here: http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html

I've used them in an old 16 Gauge. Work great, and low-recoil too! (Also less impact on an old gun and old walnut).

Neat Model 12!

 

[chas08]

There's a good chance that it has already been rechambered if there was any other shorter lengths besides 2 3/4 for a 20ga. back then. I haven't heard of any, but that alone don't mean they don't exist. 12 and 16 yes, but 20 no, if in doubt have a gunsmith measure the chamber length.

 

[oneounceload]

Congrats on a nice gun!

IF it has 2-1/2" chambers, here is a site to get low pressure ammunition:

http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html

Good luck with it!

 

[swarfy]

hurry up....i want to shoot it!!!!

greg

 

[bwoodfield]

I have a 16ga Model 1912 made in 1915 (stamping states last date as 1913 as well). The pump can be tricky sometimes to reseat it when you pull it back. At the top of the slide chamber you pushed a button in and the slide chamber turns. You then can push the pump forward and the entire chamber pulls out. You then twist the barrel out of the firing chamber housing. To put it back together you just reverse it all. Put the barrel into the housing and twist to seat it (ensure thats it's completely down, no gap). Slide the pump slide houseing down as far as it will go. It should reach the bracing. Then twist the chamber back and push the button back up.

 

[bwoodfield]

Here are some shots of the 16 ga

As well, my grandfather gave this to me. He got it new. My son is going to be getting it one day.

 

[bwoodfield]

Let me know if you're still having problems getting the gun back together and I'll see if I can do a quick video for you to show you how.

 

[gunut]

I have a 1913 made 20ga model 1912...some of the early features of the early model 12s are a round top receiver [later guns had the receiver matting in a concave groove]...no alignment arrows on mag tube/receiver extension....13groove forend [later ones have 14 grooves]....makes them more interesting...

Your gun left the factory with a 2 1/2in chamber...if it still has it there are plenty of places on the internet to buy short shells....dont mess up a classic if you dont have to...they are special...now enjoy your family heirloom!...

 

[rmuzz]

I appreciate the links, and the offers of help! Ill see what I'm dealing with after I have gone over, IF it is short chambered now I know where too look for ammo. I have no idea, its good to know if its original I can still find shells for it. Id like to figure out how it goes back together, for obvious reasons, but also so I don't look like a complete moron when I take it to a shop to get looked at

Ill take a look at it tomorrow with a set of fresh eyes, maybe some more photos of what Im getting stuck on.

Bwood- Thats a nice looking gun there, honestly didn't know that much about model 1912 before I got mine. It really is neat being able to inherit something like that from the family. My family is big and has a habit of never having much left at the end worth inheriting, haha, so Im glad I was able to get something classy and important to me passed down, and that I got this as a birthday present (24th) so my dad can see me enjoying the gift I got.

 

[bwoodfield]

I got mine about the same age (mind you 12 years ago). I've run a few rounds through it each year to keep it clean but thats about it (then give it a complete oiling and buff job).

It took me quite a bit to get the chamber back in place the first time. I luckly had my grandfather there to give me a hand.