Winchester model 12 and steel shot

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Just aquired a 1939 Winchester model 12, 32" barrel with full choke and shoots 3" mags. Any one shootin steel out of theirs? Have shot steel out of many fixed full choke shotguns with no problem, but they were newer guns. Would be nice to shoot a goose or two with this one!!
 
Are you sure it's a 3'' magnum? Didn't think those existed in 1939. I think you'd have to shoot non-toxic loads i.e. Hevi-shot to be safe.
 
Ive put a few boxes of steel shot through mine, I'm not a huge duck or goose hunter so only a box or two a season gets run through the gun. Most of its use is on the trap range lately.
 
I wouldn't do it, not with a full choke. Barrel steels were softer back then too, so you may well wind up with a bulged choke. I would avoid steel out of that gun altogether.
 
the model 12 with the 32 inch barrel would have way to full a choke to shot even small size steel shot .I would stick to heavy shot or bismuth .do not shot steel from the old girl .you could have a smith check her over and mayby have the barrel reamed out to a mod choke .then you should be able to shot some small size steel shot for ducks and stuff . I still would not shot and large size steel thru it for geese the biggest I would go would be number 2s 4 and 6s would be better and you can still shoot ducks .best to have a good smith make this decision as to the shape of the gun and if she can handle it .ps thy are a great gun and I hate to see them sit and not get used ,you can always send her down my way Dutch
 
Try Kent,


Tungsten Matrix® is the only non-toxic shotshell pellet that is specifically designed
to match the physical and ballistic properties of premium quality lead shot. Unlike other
non-toxic alternatives, Tungsten Matrix® is uniform in size and density, and responds to
all choke constrictions. Tungsten Matrix® is not limited like steel and other non-toxics
because of its malleable, lead-like properties. This also means Tungsten Matrix® is
safe for use in older nitro-proofed or high grade fixed choke barrels.
 
My dad had a couple of model 12's and some years back when steel shot was made mandatory there were a couple of gun smiths at the club where he shot trap. Both checked the guns and both said there would be no problem shooting steel through them with modified chokes. He did and there were no problems. There was also a hunter from the US who used to come up hunting waterfowl. He put numerous boxes of steel shot through a model 12 with no problem. Not telling you to do it, just saying what I am aware of.
 
I just wrapped up a season with a heavy duck and steel shot. 3" magnum #2 and #4's. No issues what so ever. The heavy Duck (if it is a heavy duck) barrel is heavy and thick walled and these size steel loads will not hurt it.

darryl
 
madtrapper143 said:
I just wrapped up a season with a heavy duck and steel shot. 3" magnum #2 and #4's. No issues what so ever. The heavy Duck (if it is a heavy duck) barrel is heavy and thick walled and these size steel loads will not hurt it.

darryl
Click to expand...

How can I tell if its the heavy Duck version? The only thing I found with the serial number was year made. The gun does seem much heavier than any of my other old shotguns. The barrel is also stamped FOR SUPER SPEED & SUPER-X 3 IN.
 
It is possible to have it fit for choke tubes and most good smiths are able, considerably cheaper than the cost of tungsten or similar loads. This would be the way I would go just to ease my mindand add versatility to the gun.
 
I have 3 model 12s, 2 in 12g and one of them in 20g. All of them run steel this time of year. That said they are all set up with PolyChoke 2s, usually set to Mod with mag #3. There are several models that were stamped 'Proof Steel' and "super speed' also I think marked as the Heavy or duck hunter (?) model, for sure, they can run steel with no problems.

Cant buy a better shotgun for 300$.....

YMMV.
C
 
Awesome! Thanks again to all for the great advise! Just another shotgun to the collection, but I love the way this one shoots and feels and the family friend I got it from will also appreciate it in the field again!
 
struff55 said:
This has only been cover to death since the introduction of steel shot in the mid 90's . Really !
Click to expand...

The gun in question was the model 12. I know some guns dont take steel well and some fair ok. I have an older o/u with fixed full and fixed modified choke and have been shooting steel for years without issue. Was just looking for input on this model.
 
I wouldnt put steel shot ammunition through steel safe barrel choke full...never mind a vintage shotgun. More of a performance issue. I've seen a few nice M12's through my travels with a nice bulge back of the choke as a result of steel shot. As said, this issue has been flogged to death....
 
Westward1 said:
Try Kent,


Tungsten Matrix® is the only non-toxic shotshell pellet that is specifically designed
to match the physical and ballistic properties of premium quality lead shot. Unlike other
non-toxic alternatives, Tungsten Matrix® is uniform in size and density, and responds to
all choke constrictions. Tungsten Matrix® is not limited like steel and other non-toxics
because of its malleable, lead-like properties. This also means Tungsten Matrix® is
safe for use in older nitro-proofed or high grade fixed choke barrels.
Click to expand...

Actually there are several that are so close to lead you cannot tell the difference to lead in killing ability.
ITX, Bismuth, and Nice Shot all work super, and they are what I hand load for my vintage guns.

You can squeeze them with pliars they are so soft, and the mass is like i said, so very close that you cannot tell the difference.
Nice Shot in particular can be loaded right across with lead data as long as you use loads below a certain pressure which I believe is 12,000PSI.
Cat
 
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