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Win. Model 12 - 20 ga.

ktbunger
I have an old (ser. # 385xxx) model 12 in 20 ga. that needs a new fore-end. I got one off of ebay that was said to fit . However, this fore-end has one too many rings on it, hence it is about 1/2 inch too long. I was wondering could shed some light on why this fore-end might be too long (eg. later date of manufacture, etc.). I was also wondering if this fore-end could be made to fit by either trimming off the extra length or otherwise.

Thanks.
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • only winchesters
    Hello kt: When Winchester first came out with the Md 1912 20 ga. (in 1912) the forearms had 13 grooves, 5 inches in length in them. Then in 1913 or 1914 the second style with 14 grooves and 5 1/2 in. long came out. Sounds like someone during the life of your gun put a shorter action slide on it. There is a guy who has been trying to sell a 13 groove forearm under the gunparts section here for $25.

    Yes you could modify yours, but the 13 groove ones come up for sale now and then.

    Also based on your serial number, your gun came from the factory with a 2& 1/2 in. chamber. You may want to verify that it's been opened up to 2& 3/4's before you continue to shoot, if you haven't already.

    Regards Dave
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  • only winchesters
    kt: Here is the Item number of the 13 groove forearm I was talking about. # 20547508. This will fit your action slide. Regards Dave
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  • ktbunger
    Thanks for the info Dave. I will definitely check out that chamber issue before firing.

    Travis
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  • ktbunger
    Dave,

    I gave the wrong serial number. The 385xxx is a 12 ga., and I was trying to go from memory. I checked the 20 ga. and the number is 9163xx, so I don't know how much difference if any that makes. According to one website the DOM is 1941 on this 20 ga.

    How hard would it be/is it possible to replace the fore-end myself? And if someone put a shorter one on it at some point, could I then put this longer one on without modification?

    Thanks,
    Travis
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  • only winchesters
    Hi kt: You are correct in 1941 being the year of manufacture, actually it was made somewhere between 6-11-41 to 6-20-41. ( From Riffles book). Like I said earlier, somewhere in it's life the forearm was swapped, either accidentally or on purpose. Since your action slide is to short for the standard 14 grove forearm. Yes you can put the longer action slide back on, (note both the 20 and 16 ga. use the same action slide. The prewar slides actually have "16/20" stamped on the inside of the rail). Those on the used market go from about $40-$70, depend on it's shape. No modification required. the only thing you need is the spanner wrench to remove the action slide cap, (infront of the forearm) You can buy those at Brownels for about $30. For the record, I do have the longer action slide, and can do the swap out if you are interested. All you would need to do is remove the magazine tube assy from the receiver/barrel by loosening the band screws and obviously rotatate it to release the the tube from the receiver. Sliding the action slide all the way foward. That way you would only be sending the mag tube assy and slide, with your 14 groove forearm. If interested in that, just click on onlywinchesters to the left to email me, and we can discuss it further. Regards Dave
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