Winchester Model 12

Leavenworth said:
Hi Fellas
Would like to know if you could give me some information on a Winchester Model 12 12 gauge full choke . Serial # 1500528
Thanks
Leavenworth
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Numerology would say: the serial number has 7 digits which adds up to 21. Seven is a super lucky number. Triple sevens is even better. 3x7=21. Model 12 backwards is 21 ledom. You've got a rare artifact there.

Other than that I know there model 12 is a slick performing pump. Usually blonde wood furniture and a corn cob foreend. Does Whichever have a date of manufacture look up feature on a website?
 
I can tell you two things. It is a model 12 and it was made in late 1955. They are renowned and loved by fans. They are decent working guns. When they go sour parts are harder to get as each year passes (most available parts are used parts from donor guns) and smiths that are GOOD on models 12 have pretty well passed on or are no longer in business.

Darryl
 
They are capable of slam firing, the groove in the receiver works like a rear sight for shooting slugs and they usually can hold 6+1 rounds of 2 3/4". I know personally I can slamfire 7 rounds out of a model 12 in a little over 2 seconds, and I'm not as good as some. Saw it off to make it handy and easy to transport when taken down or keep it as is. Personally, it's my favorite pump action shotgun ever.
 
redruns said:
Numerology would say: the serial number has 7 digits which adds up to 21. Seven is a super lucky number. Triple sevens is even better. 3x7=21. Model 12 backwards is 21 ledom. You've got a rare artifact there.

Other than that I know there model 12 is a slick performing pump. Usually blonde wood furniture and a corn cob foreend. Does Whichever have a date of manufacture look up feature on a website?
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Hmmmm...... Not sure what the numerology is all about ! Where does the three 7's come from ? I do however know that 3x7= 21

Leavenworth
 
Probably the best production pump shotgun ever made. Mine is close in serial number to yours, made in 1955. Many different configurations were made. Mine is a trap gun. Some decades ago, just about everyone shot a Model 12 for trap. Like everything else, parts are readily available in the USA. Many folks comment that they kick. I've been playing with the stock on mine and have it set pretty good now. If you lift your head off the stock, she lets you know. Many of them have been altered, so you need to have them checked out by someone knowledgeable. The value on them is declining, but every shot-gunner should own one.
 
Great pump guns. Yours is a late 50's production. Many are full choke field guns, well handled and resemble old canoe paddles... but fired little. Condition is everything. Pics are needed.
 
Okay I know this is an old thread , I will try and get a picture up of it soon (Life can derail things ) . This shotgun was made for shooting lead pellets or slugs can I shoot steel shot out of this shotgun ? If not what shot shells can I shoot out of it so I don't screw up the barrel ? Will ask about the Ithaca in that thread .
Thanks !
Leavenworth
 
I used my model 12 duck hunting a couple of times with steel shot, but never really felt comfortable putting it through the barrel. I stopped taking it duck hunting for that reason. Its still a great gum for upland birds, turkey and deer.
 
Leavenworth said:
This shotgun was made for shooting lead pellets or slugs can I shoot steel shot out of this shotgun?
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SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT

Forcing Cone Alteration:

Factory shotgun barrels usually have a fairly short and abrupt forcing cone. The forcing cone is the tapered area just ahead of the chamber where the shell is contained. Altering the forcing cone, so it is one and one half or two inches in length, reduces recoil and improves the pattern density. Trap shooters and skeet shooters have been doing this for many years. It is a good benefit to the steel shot user as well.

Choke Alteration:
Choke designation from the tightest to the most open are:
Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet II, Improved Cylinder, Skeet I, and Cylinder Bore.

Steel shot does not require the constriction that lead shot needs, to produce good patterns. In fact too much constriction, causes poor, erratic patterns, and in some cases, permanently damages the barrel. I have seen barrels bulged at the choke, I have seen barrels where the choke split right open, from using steel shot.

For steel shot, with thin barrels, chokes should be altered to at least Skeet II. Often, over & under, and side-by-side shotguns, are best altered to Skeet I and Skeet II chokes. Heavier barrels can be left at Modified choke but may see an improvement in the pattern if opened slightly.
 
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