Winchester 1912

[jive13]

hello

I was recently given a Winchester model 1912 20 ga. shotgun. I'm looking for some information about it. Mostly interested in finding out how old it is and if its worth anything or worth restoring kinda ruff looking but is still functional.

the serial number is 101821

 

[chas08]

My date list puts it at 1915. 20's usually fetch more in field grade than 12's. Pictures would help, as there are so many different variations.

 

[jive13]

here are some pics

 

[chas08]

That's a field grade gun. The most common found.

It looks to be in good shape for a 95 year old. You can get on gunbroker and see what similar models in similar condition are going for.

Realistically I'd venture it's worth between $500-$700 because it's a 20ga. Congratulations on owning a piece of American history.

 

[jive13]

thanks. i think i want to get the gun restored maybe

 

[eastbank]

its yours and you can throw it in the river if you want, but if you refinish it the value will be cut in half and it will cost you several hundred dollars to get it done right. its like a 95 year old lady getting a face, like whats she going to do she countn,t do with out the lift? eastbank.

 

[jive13]

okay didn't know that. but it does need a bit of work. the pump doesn't slide very well and i would like to get it in good working condition so i can go out and shoot it

 

[jive13]

got another question. i have a bag that holds the gun. with a cleaning kit. looks old. not sure if its original to the gun or just a case that was picked up later on

got a few pics of it but there aren't any markings on it besides 609 28

 

[Ratdog68]

For the leather... a good dose of some neetsfoot oil will do good things to soften the leather and hopefully keep it from cracking further.

 

[jive13]

i'll give that a try. its a pretty neat case imo.

 

[chas08]

The patina that the metal developes over time tells the guns life story. I wouldn't do anything to the metal finish.

As for the case, I personally don't like taking my two Model 12's down that often, so I'd put the old takedown case away and get a canvas or leather soft case to fit full length.

Model 12's when dry fired, or fired on snap caps, must have the pump moved forward a tiny bit to unlock the bolt. Could this be what you mean by the pump not moving easily? Recoil takes care of this when actually shooting.

A visit to the gunsmith may be in order, to give it a thorough cleaning and inspection. Be advised the Model 12 is not as simple to take apart, and put back together, as an 870 or 500.

 

[jive13]

i know that it needs to move forward when dry shooting but it doesn't glide very well i think i just need to clean and oil it. my Ithaca had the same problem. I've taken the gun apart before to inspect it. not any harder than my other gun

 

[chas08]

I've taken the gun apart before to inspect it. not any harder than my other gun

Then you're ahead of the game. I've put a lot of gun actions and fishing reels back together for aquaintances that thought they knew how. I bought a very handy manual for my Model 12's off of gunbroker. I havent really needed it yet, but it's comforting to have. It's called something like "The Complete Guide to Repairing Model 12's", lot of info and nomenclature.

 

[jive13]

hmm i'll have to look for it. might come in handy. i really want to get it operational so i have a nice 20 ga to add to my small collection

 

[skeeziks]

She's a beauty! Give her a good scrubbing and she'll probably loosen right up for ya.
Remember, though, that she came from the factory with a 2 1/2" chamber. So, if you want to shoot 2 3/4" shells, have the chamber measured (by a competant 'smith that knows his stuff) to first see if it has already been lengthend. If not, get it done before shooting 2 3/4" shells.

 

[jive13]

the gun is completely stock. hasn't had any work ever. my grandfather bought the gun in the mid to late 40's used it to hunt till 1954 when he bought a brand new Ithaca model 37 12 ga which i've had for a couple years now.

 

[skeeziks]

O.K., but, when you shoot 2 3/4" shells out of it she'll kick a lot harder than it will with 2 1/2" (if it doesn't blow up on you, that is.) ~

You do understand that, don't you?

 

[jive13]

yeah i do. but like i said it needs works got to find a gun smith

 

[skeeziks]

OK...cool. I just wanted to be sure. ~

 

[kirbythegunsmith]

Details

I am a Winchester Model-12 mechanical specialist and trained gunsmith.

I hope that readers are enlightened by some of my previous postings referring to these shotguns, with a comprehensive level of information in this one:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=325168

Some related postings are included in that thread to improve your knowledge.

More here at THR:
http://www.thehighroad.org/search.php?searchid=7677176

This has plenty of links that are less specific, but more numerous and have information beyond what is posted here at THR.
http://www.google.com/#q=kirbythegu...00&hl=en&prmd=df&filter=0&fp=223eaab91cdfdfe1

There should be enough information to improve reader knowledge and highlight my ability to rework a Model-12 that has mechanical defects or if improvements are desired by the owner.

[email protected]