Winchester Model 1912

[Eli]

I have inherited a Winchester Model 1912, 20 gauge, that appears to have been manufactured in 1917 (s/n 157906).

How do I know if this gun will use 2-3/4 inch shells?

It has lost a bit of bluing and has minor rust. Should I get it reblued, or will the value be substantially impaired if reblued?

Thanks, Eli
Dallas TX

 

[Hoppy590]

i wouldnt reblue it. who ever previously owned my 20 parkerrized it! which is actualy not bad for me cause that made it cheap and a good finish for a working gun

oh, alsmost the exact thread you made

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=113328

It's the early 20 ga guns that were made before 1925 that had the 2 1/2" chambers.

 

[mothernatureson]

model 1912

No, just keep it oiled and use the old gal. I am quite sure the model 12 was chambered in 2 3/4 shells in 12 and 20. I have one in 12 gauge (1931) that was my dad's and grandpas. If only these old classics could talk! Have fun!

mothernaturesone

 

[Clipper]

Congratulations! You have there arguably the finest pump shotgun ever made...Certainly the one against which all others have been judged for nearly 100 years. Enjoy!

 

[Gun Smith]

A lot of pre-1930 shutguns had short chambers. I sold a modle 12 today that had a 2 1/2'' chamber. It was made in 1918. It's easy to check chamber length by removing the barrel on a model 12. 20 gauge model 12's are harder to come by so DO NOT ALTER IT. that will ruin the collector value.

 

[gunut]

1912

Your 20ga model 1912 left the factory with a 2 1/2in chamber....12ga model 12s were made with 2 3/4in chambers from the start but the smaller gauges had short chambers until 1927/28...If yours has not had the chamber lengthened...leave it original..you can get 2 1/2in shells from plenty of places on the internet...