High Velocity .22LR safe for older firearms?

[MiddleKingdom]

I have a Remington Model 12 slide action .22 rifle and a Colt Officer Model .22 revolver. According to Colt the revolver was manufactured in 1937. Not sure about the Remington, but I know they stopped making the rifle in 1936. In appearance they are both in great shape, but I've been told that because they were not designed to fire high velocity ammunition I should probably shoot standard velocity. I picked up a brick of standard velocity ammunition made by Winchester. It's cheaper than I've seen anywhere else at $21.95/500. I probably should have bought more. What do you think?

[Ogre8472]

I had a j.c. higgins that did just fine with some loads. The important part is make sure its in good operating condition.

[dangerranger]

My model 12 shoots best with CCI std velocity. By a long shot. At 25yds mine shot Win and Rem into shotgun patterns, But shot the CCIs into an almost touching cluster. My gun has a pitted barrel and should be relined but CCI has kept it going for awhile longer! It still takes rabbits a couple times a year. Mine was first sold to an Armenian couple in 1919. It was there farm gun till I bought it from the old lady in 1978. It had rough treatment till I got it. one day Id like to get an Octagon barreled model 12 to go with it. DR

[The Right to Bear Arms]

Hello Middle Kingdom,

This issue came up on the Marlin 795 thread and you're doing the right thing to ask about it. I say use standard velocity.

[MiddleKingdom]

I had a j.c. higgins that did just fine with some loads. The important part is make sure its in good operating condition.

I will definitely do a more thorough examination of the rifle before shooting it. Good idea.

My model 12 shoots best with CCI std velocity. By a long shot. At 25yds mine shot Win and Rem into shotgun patterns, But shot the CCIs into an almost touching cluster. My gun has a pitted barrel and should be relined but CCI has kept it going for awhile longer! It still takes rabbits a couple times a year. Mine was first sold to an Armenian couple in 1919. It was there farm gun till I bought it from the old lady in 1978. It had rough treatment till I got it. one day Id like to get an Octagon barreled model 12 to go with it. DR

My father-in-law gave it to me. He bought it used at a gun shop back in the 70's. Since he's more of a collector than anything else he just stored it until last year. It has a very long octagonal barrel and a Lyman rear peep sight. With very little wear it is a really nice looking rifle.

Hello Middle Kingdom,

This issue came up on the Marlin 795 thread and you're doing the right thing to ask about it. I say use standard velocity.

Yeah, standard velocity costs more and I know it's worth it. Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice. I hope these family treasures will be enjoyed for as many generations as possible.

[kendog4570]

Another thing to consider is sight regulation. I have an old german .22 marked "Kal .22 Lang fur Buschen" and it shoots std velocity stuff exactly where the elevation marks says it will go, on out to 100 yards and past. Takes a while to get there, but it hits where you point it. The ground squirrels dont know the difference. Not so with HV ammo.

[MiddleKingdom]

Another thing to consider is sight regulation. I have an old german .22 marked "Kal .22 Lang fur Buschen" and it shoots std velocity stuff exactly where the elevation marks says it will go, on out to 100 yards and past. Takes a while to get there, but it hits where you point it. The ground squirrels dont know the difference. Not so with HV ammo.

Good to know. I didn't even think of that. I'm hoping the Model 12 will be as accurate as I've heard they can be.

[bohoki]

your gun should handle anything but stingers the case is long on those and can be difficult to extract

[dangerranger]

your gun should handle anything but stingers the case is long on those and can be difficult to extract

Actually the model 12 was discontinued when High Velocity ammo first was introduced. it was replaced by the model 120. the only real difference was a little more steel in the frame. I wouldn't shoot anything faster than standard velocity ammo. with all the target and sub sonic ammo out there it shouldn't be hard to find something that works well. I definitely would not shoot stingers or any of the hyper velocity stuff from a gun made before 1936. DR

[MiddleKingdom]

Actually the model 12 was discontinued when High Velocity ammo first was introduced. it was replaced by the model 120. the only real difference was a little more steel in the frame. I wouldn't shoot anything faster than standard velocity ammo. with all the target and sub sonic ammo out there it shouldn't be hard to find something that works well. I definitely would not shoot stingers or any of the hyper velocity stuff from a gun made before 1936. DR

Definitely not Stingers! I do have that brick of Winchesters in standard velocity so I'll try them out. I've been dying to shoot the Model 12 because it's supposed to be a really smooth action.

DR, since you have a Model 12 I have to ask you if it's difficult to assemble/disassemble and clean. What are you thoughts?

[dangerranger]

Mines really easy to strip for cleaning. I loosen the take down screw, separate the front and rear half's, and right in front of the reciver on the action bar there is a button that lets the fore end come back just far enough to let the bolt out. With it stripped into those three pieces its easy to clean with a tooth brush, and clean the bore from the breech. DR

[The Right to Bear Arms]

I hope these family treasures will be enjoyed for as many generations as possible.

Same here. Isn't it funny how the little things take on increasing importance as we get older?.. haha.

Here we are in California sweating bullets ( pardon the pun ) over the freedoms and quality of life of our grandchildren.

Spoiled Brats aren't even born yet.

[JAGGUY]

I got a Model 12 a few years ago and asked the question on Rimfire Central. There are some real Remington M 12 experts over there and was advised to stay away from high velocity as it can cause pretty quick wear.

Since then I have gotten hooked on 22 shorts in that rifle. I'm amazed how accurate they are and how "powerful" such a small cartridge is. Yes, I did say that!
Plus the M 12 cycles them perfectly.

[kendog4570]

A steady diet of shorts WILL smear lead in the forward part of the LR chamber. Make sure you get it out regularly, or it can lead to major chamber corrosion and general screwuppage if left there. I have a M12 in my shop right now that is suffering from this. Lead deposits that interfere with LR extraction, and pitting underneath the deposit, producing a pitted chamber and all that goes with it.

[JAGGUY]

I understand the lead deposit issue, but the corrosion I don't since I don't shoot corrosive ammo...