Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

James W on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:07:42 +0000

What are the two numbers on the barrels? Do they both match the serial number on the gun? Does one of the barrels have the name SIMMONS on the side of the rib? They usually put their name on their barrels. Or you could check with the Cody Museum and see if they have the paperwork. If they do, that might tell you if it was made as a two barrel set. Several ways to tell. Good luck.

1790skeeter on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:56:40 +0000

Afternoon, I’m wondering if there’s anyone that could help me figure out if the gun I inherited was a 2 barrel set from the factory or if it was added via a simmons aftermarket set.

The serial number is: 1922456

Thanks

Dave M. on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:24:30 +0000

Thank you James.

My 21 has 26" barrels and is marked cyl. and mod. The right muzzle measures .729 and the left .715

That makes since with a .729 bore. I don't have the tool any more for measuring the bore dia.

James W on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:28:28 +0000

I believe the standard bore diameter is .729 for the first year of production. But it can vary between .729 and .735 depending on the grade. .731 and .735 is pretty common. Chamber length for the first year was 2 3/4 inches.

Dave M. on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:17:00 +0000

Can anyone tell me the nominal bore diameter of a 12 gauge model 21?

It's a first year production if that matters. Thanks

James W on 1933 Winchester model 21 12 gauge questions need answers

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:54:51 +0000

Hello, Maybe we can still help you. What did you want to know? How do you know the date of manufacture is 1933 if you don't have paperwork? But ask away and we will see if we can help. Good luck.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:30:11 +0000

MotorCDR said

Am I correct in believing that the 20" bbl was measured from the breech block to muzzle?

Yes. The correct measurement is from the bolt face to the muzzle face. Close the action fully and then insert a rod or dowel down the bore until it bottoms out on the bolt face, mark at the muzzle face and measure.

Bert

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:17:17 +0000

Cool, I figured that it was supposed to have a little room, but wasn't sure.

For being 106 years old, it's in good shape. I'm looking forward to getting out to shoot it, then it will go in my classic 1973 GMC Motorhome as a coach gun.

Am I correct in believing that the 20" bbl was measured from the breech block to muzzle?

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:02:33 +0000

MotorCDR said
S/N 7218xx.

The takedown itself looks normal, it is only the mag tube that may be an issue. Is the back end of the tube itself supposed to be tight against the receiver, or is that small gap normal?

To be more clear, when reassembling, I pushed the mag tube all the way to the bottom, but it would not turn to engage the lugs -- I can feel it hitting the end of the lugs. Pulling the tube out a bit they engage fine, with a final gap (seen through the loading port) of about 1/16" or so.

The serial number indicates that it was a March 1920 production gun.

The magazine tube should not be pushed tightly to the bottom of the receiver frame when rotating it back into its final assembled position.

Bert

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 16:54:24 +0000

S/N 7218xx.

The takedown itself looks normal, it is only the mag tube that may be an issue. Is the back end of the tube itself supposed to be tight against the receiver, or is that small gap normal?

To be more clear, when reassembling, I pushed the mag tube all the way to the bottom, but it would not turn to engage the lugs -- I can feel it hitting the end of the lugs. Pulling the tube out a bit they engage fine, with a final gap (seen through the loading port) of about 1/16" or so.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 08:16:31 +0000

The serial number will tell me precisely when it was manufactured. The MOD choke suggests that it originally had a 28-inch barrel.

If the Take Down was tight before you disassembled it, but now has a gap, you did something wrong when you reassembled it.

Pictures of the gun and all of the factory markings on the barrel, slide bar, and receiver frame would be beneficial in evaluating the gun.

Bert

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 01:22:09 +0000

Just got a garden-grade 97 (according to the serial number lists, 1920 mfg). Originally MOD, some PO cut it to about 23" -- I intend to cut it to 20" and eventually put the bayonet/heatshield on it. This will be for practical use in my RV, as will be the Model 12 I'm looking for an extra barrel for.

I took it down to clean, then in reassembling it, the mag tube wouldn't rotate if pushed all the way in. I was able to reassemble, but there is a tiny gap between the receiver and the end of the mag tube. Is this normal, or am I getting it wrong?

Looking at the wear on the barrel, it looks like the ears on the front end of the mag have worn through the bluing about 1/16 of an inch behind where they are now -- not a full thread's worth of spacing.

Bert H. on Winchester Model 21 Information needed

Sat, 30 May 2026 16:40:00 +0000

EFS said
Hello,
How can I insert pictures?

Posting Pictures - 2024 | Forum Rules and FAQs | Forum | Winchester CollectorWinchester Collector

Bert H. - Admin

EFS on Winchester Model 21 Information needed

Sat, 30 May 2026 16:37:03 +0000

Hello,

How can I insert pictures?

Bert H. on 1933 Winchester model 21 12 gauge questions need answers

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:49:48 +0000

Unfortunately, we have less information about your Model 21 than the CFM does... especially without clear detailed pictures of it.

Bert