Winchester Model 12 questions....

[prstorsved]

Model 12 16 gauge with 2 9/16 chamber

My father has a wonderful 16 gauge chambered for 2 9/16. Shells for this have not been made since the early 1970's. Some folks say this is a rare model and others say it was very common and I should get the barrel bored out so it can shoot the 2 3/4 shells.

What is the real story. He has a friend that also has the same chambered gun.

thanks!
Paul

 

[MMCSRET]

The early M1912 and M12 models were chambered for the short 16 ga. because that was the standard length for 16 ga up until right after WW1. I also have a M1912 in that chambering and it will be fine with the 2 and 3/4" 16 ga as long as they are the old style roll crimp, which are nor that easy to find. I picked up a case of Kynoch 2&3/4 and took one apart and measured it. it is the same unfolded length as Western 2&9/16 length shells. In order to use folded crimp plastic shells you must lengthen the chamber and widen the ejection port. I won't do that to mine, as its a family heirloom. If you hand load you can cut shells down and make them work.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Even zombies don't get resurrected this often. For Pete's sake, start a new Model 12 thread already, and stop with the necromancy- it's creepy!

lpl