hey guys, im in a bit of a dilema here as i just recently purchased a model 12 (12 guage, 30" barrel) circa 1954 and im thinking of having the barrel cut down to the riot gun length of 21". i inquired to the gun smith on weither i should just buy another mdl 12 for the barrel and do this but he mentioned that different vintages of the model 12 have variations in the reciever threads for the barrels, thus may not fit unless i get one of the same vintage. he said it can be done but there is quite a bit of cost to make it fit. so if anyone knows what years of production have compatible barrels with mine so that i may spare my 30" barrel, i would greatly appreciate the info.
Should i cut the barrel on my Model 12
- Thread starter sksnujack
- Start date
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Your Model 12 should have a serial number in the vicinity of 1471990 or greater. As I recall, the production run through to 1962000 should work just fine. Provided the "barrel threads" ( on the Adjusting Sleeve" ) and the receiver match ( and they should) the Adjusting Sleeve can be turned either in or out to get the proper fit, then locked in place with the Adjusting Sleeve Lock. A new Barrel Chamber Ring may, or may not be required. Any good gunsmith should be able to fit the new barrel to your receiver for you. Good idea to let him shorten the barrel too !
Ideally, when you go to buy the "second" Model 12 for the barrel to cut down, try fitting it to your receiver. In a great many cases it mat well fit right on. If not, examine the threads on the Adjusting Sleeve very closely to see if they match your gun.
Ideally, the second barrel assembly ( barrel, forend, magazine
complete) should be fittied to your receiver as a unit. Either way, have a gunsmith with some Model 12 experiance do the fitting for you.
Ideally, when you go to buy the "second" Model 12 for the barrel to cut down, try fitting it to your receiver. In a great many cases it mat well fit right on. If not, examine the threads on the Adjusting Sleeve very closely to see if they match your gun.
Ideally, the second barrel assembly ( barrel, forend, magazine
complete) should be fittied to your receiver as a unit. Either way, have a gunsmith with some Model 12 experiance do the fitting for you.
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berretta boy, thanks for the info. i guess now i just need to find another model 12 to sacrafice its barrel.
does anyone have any pics of their stock or modified mdl 12 riot guns?
i would like to see how they look before i go ahead with my own project.
Thanks!
jon
does anyone have any pics of their stock or modified mdl 12 riot guns?
i would like to see how they look before i go ahead with my own project.
Thanks!
jon
Make sure you find a gunsmith with m12 expierience, most don't have it. IF I remember correctly, the barrel adjusting sleeve is threaded 30 tpi, which most lathes won't cut (unless they are a manual change gear lathe) without special gears. So if the you need work on the sleeve or barrel where the sleeve threads on, it can be difficult.
Gerald said:
"All winchester Md 12s ARE take downs! The term "take down" was a carry over from the old Md 1897/97 days when that gun was produced in the "take down" and solid frame versions.
Take Down means you can remove the barrel assy. from the receiver. No tools required, just rotate the mag tube, lift the tube out, slide the action slide all the way forward, rotate the barrel assy a quarter turn and pull off.
The old solid frame 1897/97s you could not remove the barrel assy from the receiver. Gunsmiths could because they had all the necessary tools to do so." (Quote from Winchester forum on Shotgunworld)
SS
BTW, there aren't a variety of thread configurations on m12's of different vintages. What exists is a series of adjusting sleeves numbered 1 through 6, each with the threaded portions on either side of the sleeve rotated 1/6 of a turn further than the previous in the series. As the gun breaks in and eventually starts to loosen up where the barrel assembly meets the front of the receiver, you can rotate the sleeve a couple of degrees (held in place by a notched locking shaft and a set screw - described by berreta boy above). When you run out of adjustment on the sleeve that ships with the m12, you switch it for #2 in the series, and so on. Each sleeve should be good for 50 to 100 years, depending on how much use the gun sees.
The other thing you could do is just buy a riot version of the m12. That way you don't have to cut the one you already have and you get 2 guns for the price of 1 gun, a 2nd barrel assy, and the gun smith's charges. Just a thought.
SS
The other thing you could do is just buy a riot version of the m12. That way you don't have to cut the one you already have and you get 2 guns for the price of 1 gun, a 2nd barrel assy, and the gun smith's charges. Just a thought.
SS
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
"Standard" if one might call them that, Model 12's, were all takedown in the manner most are familiar with.
The Model 12 Featherweight had a substantially different take down system, and the Model 25, although it looked similar to a Model 12 was not a takedown, per se.
The Model 12 Featherweight had a substantially different take down system, and the Model 25, although it looked similar to a Model 12 was not a takedown, per se.
yeah it pains me to contemplate cutting that field barrel down but im having a hard time sourcing a barrel (only) for the m12. it seems all the barrels are are on riffles and i dont really have the cash to go buy another shotty just to use its barrel. they seem to be goin for $225-300 out here in vancouver area in the same condition as mine. i guess ill have to hunt a little harder. ive already posted a thread in the bits and pieces forum for just the m12 barrel.
JohnC
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I went through the same decision process and wound up having mine cut down. Mine was a beater without much blue left, the barrel won't take steel shot so waterfowl are out and the short length is so much more convenient for grouse or rabbit or casual clays. You can always buy another later on it's not like they're scarce.
