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  • 11b6r
    One of the folks that is a true Winchester expert will be along in a minute. In meantime, you have a Winchester Model 12. Originally called the 1912, in 1919 name changed to Model 19. Made until 1963, almost 2 million made. Early 16 gauge guns MAY be chambered for 2 9/16th shells- have a smith check- shooting 2 3/4 inch shells in them is dangerous. Model 12s did not have a disconnector- if you hold trigger back and pump a round into chamber, will fire as bolt closes. A version of the Model 12 was used in WW I, WW II, Korea, and Vietnam.
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  • ShotgunEd1897
    I have a Winchester 1897 Takedown. Nice model, fun to shoot. Plan on turning it into a trench gun, as soon as I can gather together the parts and cash.
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  • Bert H.
    You have a Model 12 that was made prior to 1933. If it was made prior to 1928 (the serial number will tell us that), it has a 2-9/16" chamber, and should not ever be shot with modern 16 gauge shells.

    Based on what I can see in the pictures, it has been used hard and put up wet a few too many times, and as such, it has essentially no collector value.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by ShotgunEd1897
    I have a Winchester 1897 Takedown. Nice model, fun to shoot. Plan on turning it into a trench gun, as soon as I can gather together the parts and cash.

    Why would you destroy a perfectly good gun, and waste the money in the process[?] Converting a standard Field grade Model 1897 into a Trench Gun is not a simple (or inexpensive) task, and it will forever destroy any collector value that your gun may currently have. I would suggest that you go buy one of the Norinco knock-off Trench Guns... it will be much less detrimental to your pocket book.
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