Winchester Model 12 16 gauge

[Watchdog]

The chamber area of that barrel is so overbuilt with good steel that there is no problem that will develop from reaming out the 2 9/16" chamber to a 2 3/4" chamber. But, I would take that one step further and use a "Tapered Forcing Cone" reamer available from a few reamer makers. It actually will reduce the apparent chamber pressure and usually cause the shotgun to pattern better.

That's useful information. And someone else mentioned the scarcity of 16-gauge ammo. Where I live...lower NC Piedmont area...the resurgence of the 16-gauge has seen wider availability of ammo. I haven't noticed any shortage of the stuff in the LGSs I frequent.

 

[model70hunter]

Usually the 20 ga. buttstock is a direct swap for the 16 ga. as they were built on the same frame. The 20 ga. buttstock is readily available.

As far as problems ejecting a 2 3/4" fired hull from a shotgun converted from 2 9/16" is easily solved by milling out the leading edge of the port by 1/16" and the rear edge by the same amount. But, I would try it first as most I ever handled would eject the longer hull just fine.

This is right, I've changed out quite a few.

Right now Midway USA is selling Boyd's M-12 stocks that are listed as 12 gauge. I ordered one to replace the cracked and bobbed off stock on mine.

It is distinctly for a 20 or 16 as the wood was too small at the action. The metal stood out proud. I called and they checked some of the other stocks, all were the same size.

So if someone needs to restock your 20 or 16 now is the time to do it.

They returned my money. I found a Sile replacement set. NIB, Italian. Nice walnut. I was just lucky.

 

[Bill Bates]

If it is a early 1940s Model 12 16 gauge then it should have a 2 3/4 inch chamber. The switch to 2 3/4 in chambers happened near serial number 500,000.

Value wise it gets a big plus for the solid rib and 30 inch barrel. The cut stock is pretty huge negative moving it to a shooter grade gun. If the condition is decent a $300 to 400 price would be reasonable.

I have always thought the 16 Gauge Winchester Model 12 was pick of the litter. They tend to weigh about 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 pounds. They carry, swing and point like a dream. It doesn't get much better in Model 12s.

I sure love my 16 Gauge Model 12, manufactured in 1955. It feeds and ejects both Federal and Herters shells perfectly.

 

[Bill Bates]

When it comes to 2 3/4 inch 16 gauge ammo the Cabela's Herters shells are a great value, especially if you buy when they are on sale or combined the with a free shipping deal. Often you can get them down under $6 a box.

They are a great shell. They use Cheddite hulls. They burn clean and pattern well in my 16s. With a bit of searching you can find a bunch of positive reviews, especially with those shooting 16 gauge guns.

And the disclaimer, yeah I work under the Cabela's big green roof.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

My 20 has a short stock, (was that way when I bought it), with a recoil pad. Always worked good for me if it was really cold and I had to wear lots of layers. It fits my wife perfectly since she is rather short. She killed more doves on her first hunt than lots of the "Bubbas" did.

I do need to replace it with an original stock and plate.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[Drm50]

When I was a young teenager I had a 3" M-12 / rib. Those M IV
3" really belted me. My oldman was the gentleman bird hunter
type, and took his bird hunting and dogs very seriously. He was
always bawling me out for sky busting pheasants other hunters
had flushed. You didn't shoot a bird, unless the dogs pointed it.
You had to let the bird gain some distance before you touched
him off. If you shot to quick a load of 3" #6s would destroy the
bird. Wish I had kept it, but traded it off for a M70 220swift.

 

[model70hunter]

My 20 has a short stock, (was that way when I bought it), with a recoil pad. Always worked good for me if it was really cold and I had to wear lots of layers. It fits my wife perfectly since she is rather short. She killed more doves on her first hunt than lots of the "Bubbas" did.

I do need to replace it with an original stock and plate.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

Leon since I did not use the Midway Boyds stock I don't remember if it was like an old original with more drop or straighter.

Still a great way to replace a broke or bobbed one.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Usually the 20 ga. buttstock is a direct swap for the 16 ga. as they were built on the same frame. The 20 ga. buttstock is readily available.

As far as problems ejecting a 2 3/4" fired hull from a shotgun converted from 2 9/16" is easily solved by milling out the leading edge of the port by 1/16" and the rear edge by the same amount. But, I would try it first as most I ever handled would eject the longer hull just fine.

Mine fires any brand 2 3/4 shell just fine but fails to eject any of them. I had the same problem with a Browning A5 years ago.I would not want to mill the ejection port on my first year gun . I know it's not in high grade collector condition but it has survived for 103 years without being milled and I hope it goes another 103 without it. I would however not hesitate to have the forcing cone tapered if there was someone in my area I could trust to do it correctly. My area has plenty of hacks but no real gunsmiths anymore .

Eddie

 

[poordevil]

I only shoot 16ga. I was lucky to find a Model 1912 16ga made in the first year of issue...1914. It looks new! I shoot Remington and Federal shells and they work fine. I do not believe it has been altered.