Winchester Model 12 Project...

[Gila Jorge]

Always have liked them as my first shotgun was a 97 Winchester.

Want a doubles Trap gun: so bought a 3 inch Model 12 from Calif
which should be here Tuesday at latest. Then Simmons will install
a duckbill ramp and rib and reblue the whole gun to match. Next to
find some wood......? Also will have the barrel back bored to .735
and the forcing cones lengthened to 2.5 inches and either Briley or
Sminole chokes installed. Could also use for Sporting Clays as well.

Thoughts on the project in general and wood specifically. Wenig or
Great American comes to mind as sources, like a mid level English.
Then Abraham out in OR to do the checkering, like the B carving.

Reason for the 3 inch was to have absolute safety in doing the overbore.
Also was in best condition of those I have found listed. I know and have shot with Jesse Briley...don't know Seminole but they ddid fine work with Beretta on their screw choke development, supposedly. Nu-Line guns in MO has some woood and had thought of having them do some work BUT have had so many bad comments about them on another board, I'm reluctant to have them work on my project.

Overall, I want a masterpiece of refurbishing on this project. Pigeon grades go for good money these days....approach them in quality.

Thoughts...? !

 

[TrapperReady]

As I really like Model 12s, I've often thought about a custom project (or two). One of the smiths I've considered for such work is at:

www.andyscustomshop.com

He specializes in older Winchesters (mostly 21s and 12s). His work seems kinda high, but then again... projects like this aren't normally about saving money.

Good luck and keep us informed as you progress.

 

[Sparky]

Good Luck on the M 12 project. They are one of the few "vintage" pump guns that tricking up adds value to. BUT PLEEEEEZE don't port the barrel PLEEEEZE!! IMHO porting a Model 12 Winchester is an abomination in the sight of the gods of fine shotguns.

 

[Gila Jorge]

Definitely would NOT port any barrels. Had thought about some optional ported screw-in chokes but even then I think there is enough weight in the gun that recoil should not be a problem. Besides, I will end up with a fairly straight stock as I'm looking at 1.5DAC, 2.0DAH, 14.5LOP, and 1.5 max maybe even
just 1.0 pitch at end of 30 inch barrel. Don't believe recoil would be a problem. Recovey time on doubles may be the only excuse for ported chokes and I noticed Briley has some that extend outside the barrel with such.

No I simply like the unadulterated lines and feel of the Model 12. As I noted earlier, I started shotgunning with a 97 Winchester but tired of the slam firing and the safety that was NOT. So I put the gun up and never used it again. It eventually got traded off on some other gun. Sorta wish I had it back. Saw a black diamond 97 advertised the other day and it looked pretty good......maybe
later. Blessings.