MDL 12 winchester
Have a model 12 in a 16 ga. it has a 26 in barrell did winchester make a 26 in or has this barrell been cut down also the serial# is 175463 can anyone tell me the age and the history of this gun? Thanks
0
-
Yes they made model 12's with 26" barrels.
Date is 1918.0 -
i have one that is little bit older than yours (mine has 5 digit ser number) mine has the short chamber ie 2 1/2" maybe they called 2 9/16" chamber dont remember for sure 0 -
Hello elkmaniac...
The serial number and the Model marking confirm that it was manufactured in late 1918. At that time, a 26-inch barrel was standard for the 16 gauge guns, as was a shorter than currently standard chamber length. Your Model 12 has a 2-9/16-inch chamber, and you should not shoot it with modern 2-3/4-inch shells.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Good morning elkmaniac: Although 2 9/16 chamber length was standard on these early guns until 1927 when Winchester switched to 2 3/4. The vast majority of the early guns have been opened up. It could have been sent back to Winchester, where they would have marked it 2 3/4 with a roll die, usually near the choke marking, or just below the serial number near the loading gate. If a gunsmith did the job, they would have just used a set of "Steel stamps". It would be best if you took the gun to your local smith so he could check it out, to see if it has been opened up, prior to shooting. There are several shell manufactures who still make short shells, I believe Kent, Fiocchi, and Bismuth, can be purchased in the short lenghts, but most likely will have to be special ordered. Regards Dave 0 -
I have a 26" Barrelled Mod 12 with a Modified choke. Most were Improved Cylinder in 26"
Keep Your Powder Dry
NRA Life Member
The only criminal class that is native to the United States is congress.
MARK TWAIN0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
5 comments