Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Bert H. on WINCHESTER MODEL 12 PIGEON BLUING

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:50:23 +0000

Du-Lite solution bluing.

Doc Lane on WINCHESTER MODEL 12 PIGEON BLUING

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:46:17 +0000

Picked up a Winchester model 12 PIGEON at the Wanenmacher show today no bluing on barrel this is a Y prefix shotgun. What was bluing process on the barrels? rust or salt bluing.

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

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:03:01 +0000

I looked at a Model 12 Heavy Duck at auction 5 or so years ago that had a donut base rib and had "Simmons" in very light script, located even or past the end of the magazine tube on the left side. I did not see any address or other markings on the rib. After i pointed out the Simmons marking the auctioneer was somewhat annoyed, but did announce that it was a Simmons rib and not a Winchester rib.

Kevin

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!