Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

jlb on New member...Model 12 Heavy Duck confirmation questions

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:40:09 +0000

My 28 gauge Model 12 has a donut rib that for years I thought was an unmarked Simmons rib. On very close inspection under good light and my fly tying magnifier I can see a script signature for Simmons. Thus sometimes the markings are very faint at least to old and not so old eyes.

I have attempted to add an image but alas my computer skills resemble my 5 stand shooting.

jlb

Steven Gabrielli on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:14:02 +0000

Ah thanks to you all.

Bert H. on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:06:23 +0000

It is the magazine tube stop tab (to prevent ramming the forward end of slide handle into magazine band when taking the gun down).

Bert

MidwestCrisis on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:52:39 +0000

My 97 has the same thing. I thought it was a stop. When you lift the mag tube to take it down it stops on the mag holder

Zebulon on Looking for an Auto-5 Guru

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:05:19 +0000

Before I go "outside the wire" -- more than a few of us collect Browning as well as Winchester -- is there anyone here who might advise me by PM on the subject of Auto-Five slug guns?

I went to consign a pistol yesterday to a local dealer I know because it is a lot of trouble to auction and deliver one anymore. I came home with the best looking 12 gauge Standard weight (blue trigger) A5 I've ever seen. M prefix serial for a 1957 DOM. 99%. Sling stud on buttstock and in mag cap. American import not Euro gun. An L prefix 1955 Browning marked barrel with NO CHOKE CODE, 24" with ramped front and rear iron sights. According to Marty Huber. Browning stopped matching serials of barrel to receiver postwar so not necessarily a replacement. Original horn buttplate. 2.75" chamber.

What clues should I look for?

Steven Gabrielli on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:46:12 +0000

I was thinking it allowed air to escape will loading a full mag, IDK. Never saw that on other makes of pump guns, was it really needed?

Jim F in CT on Model 12 QUESTION

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:10:35 +0000

I believe it provides a small amount of “binding” when the forend is pushed forward as part of the takedown operation.

Keeping that forearm “under control” during takedown, will help ensure no marring at the left-front of the receiver during reassembly.

On the Model 97, a flat leaf spring accomplishes the same “binding.”

Ricklin on New member...Model 12 Heavy Duck confirmation questions

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:16:32 +0000

Our old guns are certainly full of it. History that is. Think of all those M12's insulted with a dial a duck. At least a well done aftermarket vent rib mostly enhances a gun. Shooters anyway. A dial a duck esp. just wrecks some otherwise great M12's. They do work...at least they work with Lead. If I had to choose I'll take the gun with the aftermarket rib first. It's useful, the dial a duck...not so much.

Steven Gabrielli on Model 12 QUESTION

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:12:42 +0000

What’s this little scoop for on the magazine tube assembly?

Ricklin on Model 24

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:54:48 +0000

I like clocked screws as well. We most all do. It is wise use a tap for butt plate screws. There are appropriate taps available. An undersize hole for your pad can result in a crack. If no tap, drill your hole large enough that only the threads cut in to the wood.

Zebulon on My Model 21 Skeet: Good news and bad news

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:52:52 +0000

But you didn't miss as many.

Jeremy P on My Model 21 Skeet: Good news and bad news

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:23:27 +0000

'Serious'ly inconsistent is what I am!

I mean, that 21 looks a lot nicer missing birds than mine does!

Commissioner on Winchester model 1897 shotguns12 ga.and 16 ga,

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:39:44 +0000

My neighbor has a couple of nice 1897 shotguns for sale one 12 ga and one sixteen ga. Both modified barrels. All original. Good stocks, no breaks or cracks. He is asking $1200 for the pair, plus shipping. Guns work perfect. If interested, just let me know 541-726-0187 Commissioner.

Zebulon on My Model 21 Skeet: Good news and bad news

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 22:58:22 +0000

I had a brief scare when I got home and tried to break the gun down to clean it. Pushed latch wheel and tried to roll it forward. Nada. Several more tries and still nada.finally, opened the gun as wide as it would go, to make sure I cocked hammers. Laid gun on table, forearm up and as soon as I applied pressure to the latch wheel, it sank and rolled forward, enabling me to snap the forearm out and away.

Looked at the ejector housing and determined I should flush it with Kroil and then lightly lube it with Rem Oil. I have some weighted test dummies so should be able to verify ejection strength.

The big thing I've got to get used to is releasing the trigger after the first shot, enough to reset for the second shot. The 21 is supposed to have one of the best single selective triggers but it does take a little practice.

Jeremy is getting serious.

TXGunNut on My Model 21 Skeet: Good news and bad news

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:56:42 +0000

Bill-

It was a great day to chase clay birds! I think once you get comfortable with this 21 it will be much easier to concentrate on hitting the birds. The wind was having a little fun with the targets this morning but nothing like the wind this afternoon. It was hard to concentrate on where your shots were going when the sun hit the burl in that Walnut! I'm a little worried about Jeremy P. though. He's getting pretty serious about this game and seems to be hitting more birds on every outing.

Mike