WINCHESTER 12GA Model 1911 SL

outdoortexas

October 17, 2002 05:59

Admittedly I know little about shotguns.

Serial # A 101xx.

Barrel stamped NICKEL STEEL, 12GA. Full.

Starts with patent AUG.27.1901 and ends with JULY 18.1911.

Barrel is etched/engraved from 5 1/2 to nine inches for griping and shoves the barrel into the receiver which is shaped like a Browning.

Forearm has a crack, and several minor dings. This gun has obviously been used hard but not in bad shape considering age (I think).

Stock has a leather butt pad laced on that appears to have been installed when the gun was new.

What does the SL stand for ?

What is the aprox. value ?

Is this one worth hanging on to ?

Any comments and info would be appreciated !

THANKS in advance,
outdoortexas/Jerry Dean






Edited by - outdoortexas on 10/17/2002 10:25:08

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  rick_reno

  October 17, 2002 08:07

  Ah..the 1911, otherwise known as the "headbuster". Winchester thought they needed to get a semi-auto shotgun to market but Browning owned all the patends on the better designs. Winchester had to work around these and came out with the 1911, which used friction buffers and recoil cushion to make it work. These would wear over time and these guns - when used - would quickly develop a mean recoil. Cracked stocks are common on these guns. These guns aren't common; they malfunctioned so often many were discarded and no one enjoyed shooting them.
  Yours was made in 1912. They made 55 design changes in these guns during the first three years of production - your's probably has very few of these since it's an early 1912 gun. The "A" before the s/n was added after s/n 4300 and indicates on of the many minor changes they made to this gun. The S.L. is part of the model number and might mean "Semi-loader".
  Standard stocks were birch or elm, usually laminated birch. Dense grain walnut was available for special orders. Both pistol grip and straight stocks were offered starting in 1912. These guns had hard rubber butt pads installed, but Winchester would put whatever the customer wanted on them. Engraving is rarely seen on these guns, trap and pigeon grade guns were offered from 1912 to 1920. Engraving patterns were the same as offered on M97's and M12's. If you can get a picture of it posted somewhere I can try and tell you which pattern was used.
  I can't estimate value without seeing the gun. I can tell you they aren't common, and yours being engraved makes the gun rare.

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  outdoortexas

  October 17, 2002 09:35

  quote:
  Ah..the 1911, otherwise known as the "headbuster". Winchester thought they needed to get a semi-auto shotgun to market but Browning owned all the patends on the better designs. Winchester had to work around these and came out with the 1911, which used friction buffers and recoil cushion to make it work. These would wear over time and these guns - when used - would quickly develop a mean recoil. Cracked stocks are common on these guns. These guns aren't common; they malfunctioned so often many were discarded and no one enjoyed shooting them.
  Yours was made in 1912. They made 55 design changes in these guns during the first three years of production - your's probably has very few of these since it's an early 1912 gun. The "A" before the s/n was added after s/n 4300 and indicates on of the many minor changes they made to this gun. The S.L. is part of the model number and might mean "Semi-loader".
  Standard stocks were birch or elm, usually laminated birch. Dense grain walnut was available for special orders. Both pistol grip and straight stocks were offered starting in 1912. These guns had hard rubber butt pads installed, but Winchester would put whatever the customer wanted on them. Engraving is rarely seen on these guns, trap and pigeon grade guns were offered from 1912 to 1920. Engraving patterns were the same as offered on M97's and M12's. If you can get a picture of it posted somewhere I can try and tell you which pattern was used.
  I can't estimate value without seeing the gun. I can tell you they aren't common, and yours being engraved makes the gun rare.

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  outdoortexas

  October 17, 2002 09:42

  RICK,
  
  Thanks for the reply. I do need to clarify that when I said "engraved" I was referring to a knurled surface that is cut into the barrel to facilitate griping, to allow the barrel to be pushed downward into the chamber.
  
  I will get the photo to you but may be a week, I intend to purchase a digital camera in the next few days.
  
  You have been very helpful and given me a good history on the gun.
  
  outdoortexas

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  Rugernut

  October 17, 2002 10:24

  One of theese came through a couple years ago. Took it in on trade. Had a hell of a time selling it. The forearm was cracked also, but otherwise it was like new. I finally sold it to a guy who had an extensive winchester collection for $180. Fellow said he would never load it because he heard too many stories of themm going off when they were cocked in duck blinds and such. Puts a whole new meaning to "KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION" Respect this or you may lose your head! As previously mentioned, they are hard to find in good condition, but have little collector value, and pose some major safety concerns.

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  outdoortexas

  October 17, 2002 16:12

  RUGERNUT
  
  Would not dream of shooting this gun, but thanks for the warning.
  
  Going by your name only, have another question. I have a new, in the box Mini-14, #166-81xxx that was double stamped on the receiver. STURM RUGER & CO.INC. Southport,Conn USA -the whole works-
  is double stamped. Is this pretty rare, or not ?
  
  THANKS

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