Just got my father's old model 12 handed to me. Someone replaced the receiver years ago then neglected it so there is slight pitting, the stock has got a shrink crack in it from drying out, and the 30'' barrel might be chambered to short for modern ammo, last patent date is in 1913. So, I'm thinking of rebuilding it as a tactical shot gun. Where can I get the parts, especially a relatively modern barrel that will run slugs and buckshot?
Tactical Winchester Model 12.
- Thread starter Grandaddy53
- Start date
greyman441
CGN Regular
- Location
- Wasaga Beach, ON
Honestly, I asked the same question before. There is no such thing as tactical model 12 parts. You may find a cutdown cyl bore barrel or a factory modified choke but thats about it. Nothing rifled though.
Do some research but I wouldn't be surprised if it has a 2 3/4" chamber. Are there any markings on the barrel? Best bet would be to cut the factory barrel down and install a new bead. Then clean the wood up, push some glue down into the crack and clamp it then refinish it. That's what I would do.
The last patent date is in 1913, serial number puts production around 1916. Barrel marked 12 guage full but no indication of chamber depth. I can find folding stocks with pistol grips online but no short barrels. I'm going to try to find a used barrel that I'm sure will take longer shells amd cut it down. The tube magazine will hold several shells unplugged so I don't need an extension and the action will slam fire so I can put out a lot of 00 buckshot quickly. Going to strip it tomorrow night and start cleaning, not sure how I'll finish it, depends on how the receiver is pitted.
The chamber is most likely 2 9/16". Your best bet (if you are really concerned about it) is to have it reamed out to 2 3/4" by a gunsmith. I would just shoot it as is and have done so with my M12. Modern plastic shells have a thinner hull than the old paper ones and most hulls today actually measure short of their supposed nominal length so there is actually little to no extra restriction caused by the hull opening up in the forcing cone when the shells are fired. If you cut the barrel back just remember that due to the takedown feature you will not be able to add any device at the muzzle that will increase the O.D. Well actually you can if you want but you won't be able to disassemble the gun anymore if it is a permanent installation.
