Winchester Model 12 16 gauge

[rchall]

I recently traded for a Model 12 Winchester shotgun in 16 gauge. The serial number is in the 623XXX range. The barrel date is 29 underneath but the stamping on top says it is proof steel. By the date under the barrel shouldn't this be nickel steel?? I read where the proof steel wasn't phased in until 1931 so is this maybe a first series proof steel model or maybe the barrel was made and then set aside in the warehouse and used at a later date?? Thanks for any insight on this!

 

[da gimp]

my books aren't handy for a definitive answer... but Winchester is famous, as is S&W for using up parts still in the bins. does the bluing match on the receiver & bbl groups?

 

[alwslate]

I recently traded for a Model 12 Winchester shotgun in 16 gauge. The serial number is in the 623XXX range. The barrel date is 29 underneath but the stamping on top says it is proof steel. By the date under the barrel shouldn't this be nickel steel?? I read where the proof steel wasn't phased in until 1931 so is this maybe a first series proof steel model or maybe the barrel was made and then set aside in the warehouse and used at a later date?? Thanks for any insight on this!

You're probably right about the barrel being an early proof
steel model. Your serial number dates to late 1930
according to my reference book. When it comes to old
Winchesters you can only approximate dates and numbers
rather than pin details down exactly.

 

[rchall]

Yes, the bluing is even as far as receiver and barrel groups. It has the corn cob forearm and longer pistol grip of the early 12's. Markings are clean and crisp with no signs of ever being tampered with. The reason I brought this up was an old fellow I know who does a lot of work on Model 12's said the wood did not match the mfg. date of the gun since it is proof steel. I think it's just a very early proof steel and maybe among the first series of those made. It looks right to me but just wanted some input from some who may have more experience with these. Anyway, I liked it because it has a solid rib and it shoots great. Thanks again!

 

[OFT II]

Is the chamber sized for 2 3/4" or the older 2 9/16" shells? I have one from the '20s and the chamber had to be reamed and the ejection port lengthened.

 

[fiasconva]

A great reference site is Shotguns and more Shotguns! ShotgunWorld.com is your best source for Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg Shotgun information. Those guys know their stuff!

 

[rchall]

2 3/4" chamber and so marked on the barrel. Chambers, fires, and ejects them with no problem. I'm thinking this may be a shotgun that was put together during the period when they were transitioning from nickel to proof steel. Maybe a nickel steel barrel that was made and just put aside. When Winchester needed a 16 gauge barrel later maybe they pulled this one and marked it as proof steel?