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May 18, 2026
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Hey yall!
I just recently purchased myself a vintage Winchester Model 12 shotgun and I wanted to come make a post asking the experts on what I have. I’m personally new to this world of vintage shotguns so I honestly don’t really know what I have here besides it is old and a 12 gauge. Anyways, in the auction post it listed this shotgun as a 1920 Model 12 CYL bore with a 26″ barrel. The gun looks and feels honest, worn but still completely functional, I’ve already been able to take it to the range no issues. My question for you guys is what do I really have on my hands here? Is it all original or rare? I got it for an honest price and I didn’t buy this to flip but to enjoy. I want to know if I have a real survivor here or just a shooter. Open to all comments and suggestions!!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BkS50hUTYgZoTbbpnneMA20cz0yWYoz7?usp=drive_link
Hopefully this link works
April 15, 2005
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The 26-inch CYL bore barrel is relatively uncommon for a Model 12 Field grade gun. However, the “well used’ condition of the gun makes it a shooterhunter grade gun. I do recommend refraining from shooting any Steel Shot loaded shells in it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
August 14, 2021
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it appears to have a few stock cracks that obviously have been repaired, those might re-crack if you keep using it with heavy loads. Who knows how the repairs were done.
January 20, 2023
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After shooting a few light loads to assure good function, I’d go ahead and pattern it with whatever loads you plan to hunt with.
I had a lot of experience with a straight cylinder barrel on a 12 gauge Auto-5. With quality #7.5 trap loads it shot nice 50% 40 yard patterns.
If the cracks were inadequately repaired, best to find that out now rather than on a hunt. Then you’ll have time to do or have done any necessary work and test it, before Fall.
Don’t worry too much about wood repairs. The adhesives available today are so good that, if the joint is prepared properly and the product is used as directed, you won’t have to deal with it again no matter how many short magnums you put through the gun.
If you are not a craftsman accustomed to working with wood, reading labels, and taking your time, turn the work over to a reputable gunsmith. The fee is usually modest. What you’ve got is a very nice gun that can last generations but a bad DIY job can eadily condemn it to becoming s parts source.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
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