model 12

[rspar]

My only shotgun is a Winchester Model-12 which I think is a 60's date. I got it from my Grandfather. Anyway it's around 4 ft in total length so unless I'm duck hunting or something it's of little use. Do I just leave it as a safe queen because it's old and in good shape and buy a HD shotgun or do I shorten the barrel? It's not pristine by any means but it's presentable. Having a little issue with my phone and pics but this one is a little nicer than mine maybe 85% of that one. Obviously I'm not a shotgun guy so that plays in, I'm not sure to which side.

[sealocan]

The Winchester Model 12 is a classic and well-liked old school pump shotgun with a bit of collector value.
If the original long hunting Barrel is not something you need right now you could look into getting a replacement barrel of a shorter length Or even a second Barrel that happens to be long, like yours (if those are more common and cheaper) and then you can cut it down to a Legal shorter length size like you want now.

I wouldn't mess with its original Barrel because that may throw off some of the value to a future buyer and there might come a time when you want or need to do some hunting with it.

There are a lots of gun parts places that might be able to get you a barrel that would fit like...

Numrich Gun Parts Corporation. They are one of the bigger ones and although their customer service isn't the quickest they have lots of great schematics for free on their websites and a somewhat updated inventory list of what's available.

Also there's Jack first gun parts, I think they even specialize in old barrels (and also making small older gun parts in house). On their website they suggest you buy a catalog but unless you're a gunsmith I suggest just calling and speaking to one of their very helpful service reps and let them know what you you need just one part.

I don't buy things on eBay generally but you might even be able to find a used Model 12 Barrel there as well.


* I apologize for capitalizing the word Barrel every time, that's just how my phones speech-to-text system types it.

[NATEWA]

I picked up a model 12 with briley barrel and chokes. Not a cheap option. It came with an additional barrel with a different serial number. I’ve considered having the barrel cut down to 18.5” so I have a hunting and self defense set up. I’ll eventually do that.

If you need a home defense shotgun, I’d go pick up a 500 or 870. They can be found at a cheap price if you do some searching. I’d leave grandpa’s shotgun in the safe, oiled.

[rspar]

See I'm not a shotgun guy I never considered changing the barrel thanks for the ideas. Well 200 bucks for a barrel maybe a low end HD shotgun is the way to go and leave the 12 alone. We'll see I'll keep looking.

[sealocan]

^ I hear what you're saying about keeping grandfather's shotgun a well oiled safe King but the only problem with buying another shotgun is right now the lines at most gun stores are long, the prices are higher than normal and although shotguns might be one of the few items still on the shelves he still going to have to spend money than it would cost in normal times, when he's "not really a shotgun guy".

I thought I'd also post this link on how to fully disassemble the Model 12 because changing out the barrel is easier on a shotgun then a lot of rifles but some might say the Model 12 slightly harder than it might be on a modern shotgun design.

https://youtu.be/PYsVj9ZnYkY

There are lots of YouTube videos on the Model 12 about its disassembly and why it's considered a well-made classic.

[JohnnyMtn]

[sealocan]

Since you're not really a shotgun guy I'll mention also that if during your disassembly you see a wooden dowel rod inside the magazine tube, as seen in the video that I posted above, that is your magazine plug capacity limiter that restricts the limit of how many rounds you can load into your shotgun. That's installed originally from the factory because lots of states have regulations about how many rounds a pump shotgun can have while hunting.
If you're using it just for home defense or target shooting it isn't necessary, it can be removed and you'll have a greater shell capacity.

But maybe you already knew this or your grandfather removed it already.

My last piece of advice is just change out the barrel which involves removing just the barrel and magazine tube and don't take apart the receiver or the receivers internal action unless it's absolutely necessary because occasionally they don't go back together super easily. Clean what you can with the barrel off though.

[rspar]

Found one for $100 at Jack's first gun parts. But first I'll take the old one off and see how that goes, I think I did it once but it was a while ago. Yes getting into a store is ridiculous and the shelves are nearly bare. I'd still have to cut the barrel not sure what that entails (sawzall and sand paper) sounds a little iffy.

[sealocan]

*** edited because I realized I made a mistake . I've seen a Model 12 taken apart and put back together and it looked like the barrel were designed the to be interchangeable, like modern pump shotguns but that may not be the case or it may be more hassle than it's worth for your particular model. I believe Calguns member Trap55 is correct. ***

Here's another firearm forum's post on the subject...

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/winchester-model-12-spare-barrel-assembly-questions.539615/

***

Shotgun barrels are relatively thin compared to other type of firearms. Again I would recommend looking at a few videos on YouTube but it can be done with something as simple as a hacksaw, some measuring to make sure you're on the legal side and then some re-measuring to confirm that once again and then taking your time. You could even re-blue the cut end but you can also use one of those instant bluing pens that a few gun product makers sell but if you go that route make sure to keep it oiled because I'm not sure how rust resistant that instant blue pen stuff is.

$100 isn't a bad price but you might be able to find something cheaper on eBay. And you can see how the other folks where semi correct if it were normal times.

A brand new pump shotgun would normally cost you just a few hundred dollars, like between 200 and 400 and you wouldn't have to do any work to get it to the length you want.

Another factor to consider is if you use the shotgun in a self-defense shooting it's possible that the police are going to confiscate it and keep it until the trial is over and you might not get it back without going through some hoops. Which would be a shame because you don't want to ever lose your grandfather's shotgun.

If it gets you out in the great outdoors shooting it, I have a feeling that's what your grandfather might want.

[tenxby7]

If you want to connect with your grandfather, why not take it out to this place for some fun? https://www.moorenmoore.com/

And if you want to use it on a more regular basis, Moore n Moore has fun shoots every month for guns just like yours! https://www.moore moore.com/fun-gun-shootout/

[TRAP55]

rspar, your model 12 is a take down. I would buy or assemble another front end for a two barrel set.
If you want to know what year it was made, I can date it for you here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=410211

[-hanko]

Another factor to consider is if you use the shotgun in a self-defense shooting it's possible that the police are going to confiscate it and keep it until the trial is over and you might not get it back without going through some hoops.

Why are you going to trial after a self-defense shooting, assuming a "good" shoot???

[Ducky's Dad]

Even if "you" don't go to trial, the gun may be treated as evidence. How long will they hold it? Depends, but why take a chance?

[Nihonto Chicken]

Fitting another barrel or front end can be a hassle, these old shotguns were not CNC made! Failing that, either put it back into the safe or sell it to someone who will keep it as-is, then go buy a Mossberg 88 or similar. JMHO.

[shovelon]

The old timers at the club covet their Winchester 21s. And yes the fun shoot gives extra points for pump guns. Because of their racking and unracking design they can be shucked really fast.

What is the barrel length and are you thinking of selling it?