I'm 22 years old and I just purchased my first shotgun - a 1918, 12ga, Model 12 - this morning. It's not in as good of shape as yours here, but it's a real beauty. The bluing is ~40% worn, but no rust or pits. Thanks to your video, I can clean all the crud off of the bolt and receiver (not just the barrel)! This has been very helpful! Thanks so much!
This video was a lifesaver. I would not have figured out breaking down my dad's old Model 12 for cleaning without it. It feels like a new gun now. Thanks for posting this!
Thank you so much for the fine video! I too have a Model 1912 manufactured in 1913. I inherited it from my father who was the second owner of the gun. The first owner, I discovered when removing the butt plate, left his Indiana hunting license from 1917 in the stock! Your shotgun is in like new condition. My father had the barrel shortened and had a Cutts Compensator installed. Probably a good idea at the time but it severely lessens the value of the gun. Thanks again.
Yeah these are worth quite a bit now. My grandfather personally gave me his 1953 16ga Model 12, had it appraised at $1,100. The appraiser also informed me that the 28ga version in the same condition is worth $5,500. Nice video, man.
My first shotgun experience was with a plain barrel Model 12 in 16 ga. At the age of thirteen, it started an enjoyable lifelong hobby. I finally found one this weekend that fits and feels perfect to me. It is in very nice condition, and professionally refinished once.....I can and will use this gun. It has 28 inch barrel and is marked Mod. It measures ten thousanths constriction. Your video was excellent. I work at serious hobby gunsmithing and could have figured it out, but why learn everything the hard way? Thanks for the video.
Thanks for this video it's a lifesaver. I inherited a 1949 Model 12 12ga, which, unfortunately was left in a basement for many years and needs totally restored, but, i will enjoy this project.
Great video! I finally took apart my model 12 and fully cleaned it out after 15 + years of use. I might just bring it dove hunting this September now. Thanks!!!
Have a 16 ga model 12 with 2.5" chamber. I sent it to Wright's gunsmithing, Pinckneyville Illinois. They specialize in model 12. They converted to 2.75" chamber. Has become my go to gun for big walking hunts in Montana. Very light, balances perfect for carrying. As light and sweet as the 20 ga is, the sixteen is even lighter. What? Yes the 16 made on the 20 frame but after machining for the 16 shell, less steel...lighter. 1 1/8 oz fiochi loads great on ring necks and Huns. Also had them open choke from full to mod.
Thank you! After literally hours of trying, your video helped me to get that pesky little ejector spring back in. After watching, I had it back in in less that 10 minutes. Again, thanks a million!!!
I've got the same gun. Same year, gauge, etc.. I found that the cheap federal loads with 2 1/2 DRAM go through it just fine. I've put about 100 of those through it with no problem. I too got mine from my grandfather who got it from his dad who bought it before going into WWI and I wouldn't do anything with it that would hurt it. Just FYI.
What a gorgeous gun. Thanks for the video, you just saved me from my own stupidity. Got it back together. Mine is a 12 gauge "heavy duck" manufactured in 1951.
RST Company make 2.5 inch shotgun shells in all gauges for older guns. Also Kent makes short chamber shells. I use RST shells in my Parkers and Ansley Fox and Lefever side by sides.
I was going to add that - www.rstshells.com/store/m/4-20-Gauge.aspx Not too expensive ($11.50 per box), and work just fine. Also, Classic Shooting Company (you can Google them) sells Holland & Holland 2 1/2" : 20 GA is $110, and free shipping for case. Also reliable supplier. Interesting (to me) is I have the exact gun, built just 39 guns before this one.
I have severak model 12 shotguns over the years have 2 now 1918 and 1922 never seen 2 hokes in the stock for stock removal wonder if someone drilled the other would you know ?
Thanks for the detail in your video. My dad and I have a 1913 model 12 sn 24019 we are cleaning and restoring. The gun has been sitting in a barn for way too long, and has built up dirt and grime on every part. I need to know how to get the pump off the magazine tube for cleaning, please assist. Thanks, Colin.
I own a model 12, 12 gauge 2 3/4 chamber, I really found your video extremely helpful, but my takedown is different, wondering if your able to help out with that as well, I am the second owner, my father was the first. manufactured in early 1958......My problem is that I can not remove the pump action...the barrel no problem, and I am afraid to remove the trigger, for fear I will break something.
Hey man! I know this is a few years old but I found a great line on 2.5 inch shells. 25 for $12.49 in Colorado at Bass Pro. They import from a European manufacturer. I will be running these shells through my model 12 for the first time tomorrow. Let me know if you want store details.
Thanks for video. I have Win Model 12 12ga version with an issue. After pumping a round into chamber and pulling trigger I must push the forend forward, I hear a click, then I can pull the forend back to eject/pump a shell. Same issue when dry cycled. Any ideas what may be causing this problem? All ideas appreciated.
I have the same issue! Have you had it fixed yet or have you heard any ideas? I was thinking about taking it to a gunsmith but not sure how much it would cost.
nicklaussen54 No responses yet. One of the posts indicated it was a design feature because of the low quality shot gun shells in 1912 i.e. hang fires. The idea was when firmly holding the forearm a normal explosive round would result in releasing the catch. A hang fire would permit the shooter a few extra seconds to consider ejecting. Thinking it was a design feature, I removed the bolt and degreased it. I then used gun oil to lubricate the bolt completely. It seemed to be much easier to dry fire and push the forearm forward to permit pumping another "round". My son also has the same gun and his also exhibits the same behavior. After cleaning the bolt is seems to act the same as the second gun which did not have the same issue at the range. I have not yet taken my gun to range to try it after the cleaning. Will post a response after I try it in few weeks. Good luck.
what if the slide is stuck in place and the safety is stuck? the slide will not move any more than a smidgen. also there is no release button at the end of the barrel. any way you could help me out?
Sorry, that is a tough one to diagnose without having it in front of me. This is one of my grandfathers firearms, so don't have access to it currently :(
Thank you! I'm two years into hunting, been using my 12 for squirrel, rabbits, and turkeys. Still rather new to everything. How often does one suggest doing a full clean like this?
sorry, if i didn't show it in the video, I wouldn't be able to help at this time. this gun is not in my collection currently (family members), so I don't have access to it for take down. perhaps another viewer might be able to assist. wish I could be of more help and thanks for watching!
George Bond Sorry, it's been so long since I have done any research, not really sure where to point you. My only recommendation would be asking someone over at the GunBoards Forum... Really knowledgeable guys over there, might be able to help you out. Good luck!
I have a property marked Model 12 from 1947, It doesnt have a takedown pin, it just has a screw at the end of the magazine tube. I cant get the action bar out to take the bolt out or take the gun apart.. Im baffled. Ive messed with takedown winchesters before, so I know how to take a model 12 apart, this is the first legit trenchgun Ive had though (I cant find any videos on an actual trenchgun model 12), any idea if they made the military models any different than the civi?
You may be able to ream out the chamber to accept 2 3/4" shells if you find a qualified gunsmith, it would probably cost a decent amount but it would be worth it if you plan on shooting it semi-frequently.
I have the same gun with a 28 inch barrel full choke and I have 3 boxes of shell plus I have 3 boxes of slugs and on the side of my gun says 2 3/4 inch and all the stores up in Canada still sells 2 3/4 shells they don't call the shells 2 1/2 they where all ways 2 3/4. I have a box of Winchester Super X slugs in front of me and they measure 2.350" long and 2.700" fired
I'm working on one for a friend it's literally exactly like this but it's in very bad condition but I think I can clean the surface rust off and unfreeze it and if he doesn't have the right trigger assembly I can get one
restoring an old collector such as this will detract in value, so its hard to put a price on it. the one in the video was valued around $1000, but that was a few years ago and it could have changed. hope it helps!
IntoWeapons I just have a friend with one he said he remembered shooting it as a kid and it was a very nice 20 gauge modified choke and in all honesty the slide and pins and all freed up very easily and if the parts he found fit his gun it's an all original and it's strong enough to fire most definitely it's a 2 3/4 so I'm guessing it was the 20s-50s or whatever those years were but I have also found every single part imaginable to fix those guns with the original parts his even had a corncob front grip and I see those shotguns go for some crazy money hell I know most aren't original, which I'm doubtful he really wants to sell if he fixes it it's more sentimental
IntoWeapons I have been working on the shotgun today and I was having a hell of a time with the stock was stuck someone before me had worked on it over the years, I had come to realize it's the exact damn model as your shotgun, assuming yours was 20 gauge I just skipped to make sure I was doing it all right. but I want to see if he wants to restore it hell he may even sell it to me, I kinda know some of the original bluing techniques but hell I'd probably put a better stock on it and just clean it back up and run it like that but yours is extremely pristine very beautiful shotgun
Thanks for a well done video. But, PLEASE!.........it hurts to see you using those garden variety drivers on a classic gun that's in such good shape. Go buy yourself a set of Gunsmith's Screwdrivers! The benefits of using hollow ground drivers on the precision cut screw slots in these old guns is just HUGE. The interchangeable bit sets from Wheeler and Chapman are good starting places.........available at Brownell's, MidwayUSA, etc..........hell, even Home Dumpo. If you ever want to work on an original Browning Auto 5 you at least need the special bit set from Brownells to have any chance of doing a good job without buggering the screws.
Yes, they are when they are UNfired. Once you shoot the shell, That crimp at the end opens up to 2 3/4 inches. So the barrel and receiver needs to be able to accommodate for the spent and opened shell.
I'm 22 years old and I just purchased my first shotgun - a 1918, 12ga, Model 12 - this morning. It's not in as good of shape as yours here, but it's a real beauty. The bluing is ~40% worn, but no rust or pits. Thanks to your video, I can clean all the crud off of the bolt and receiver (not just the barrel)!
This has been very helpful! Thanks so much!
This video was a lifesaver. I would not have figured out breaking down my dad's old Model 12 for cleaning without it. It feels like a new gun now. Thanks for posting this!
The actual breaking down starts at 05:33 in.
My grandfather left me a 1964 Model 12 in 12 gauge. I won a turkey shoot with it last year. I need to give it a scrubbing.
+John Wallet great shotguns! i am a stickler on cleaning my guns :)
Thank you so much for the fine video! I too have a Model 1912 manufactured in 1913. I inherited it from my father who was the second owner of the gun. The first owner, I discovered when removing the butt plate, left his Indiana hunting license from 1917 in the stock! Your shotgun is in like new condition. My father had the barrel shortened and had a Cutts Compensator installed. Probably a good idea at the time but it severely lessens the value of the gun. Thanks again.
Yeah these are worth quite a bit now. My grandfather personally gave me his 1953 16ga Model 12, had it appraised at $1,100. The appraiser also informed me that the 28ga version in the same condition is worth $5,500. Nice video, man.
Damn I just sold my 1948 field edition 12 gauge for $500
@@toptierfish9335 nooo
My first shotgun experience was with a plain barrel Model 12 in 16 ga. At the age of thirteen, it started an enjoyable lifelong hobby. I finally found one this weekend that fits and feels perfect to me. It is in very nice condition, and professionally refinished once.....I can and will use this gun. It has 28 inch barrel and is marked Mod. It measures ten thousanths constriction. Your video was excellent. I work at serious hobby gunsmithing and could have figured it out, but why learn everything the hard way? Thanks for the video.
Thanks for this video it's a lifesaver. I inherited a 1949 Model 12 12ga, which, unfortunately was left in a basement for many years and needs totally restored, but, i will enjoy this project.
Great video! I finally took apart my model 12 and fully cleaned it out after 15 + years of use. I might just bring it dove hunting this September now. Thanks!!!
Have a 16 ga model 12 with 2.5" chamber. I sent it to Wright's gunsmithing, Pinckneyville Illinois. They specialize in model 12. They converted to 2.75" chamber. Has become my go to gun for big walking hunts in Montana. Very light, balances perfect for carrying. As light and sweet as the 20 ga is, the sixteen is even lighter. What? Yes the 16 made on the 20 frame but after machining for the 16 shell, less steel...lighter. 1 1/8 oz fiochi loads great on ring necks and Huns. Also had them open choke from full to mod.
Awesome, glad the video helped you out! Thanks for watching.
Thank you! After literally hours of trying, your video helped me to get that pesky little ejector spring back in. After watching, I had it back in in less that 10 minutes. Again, thanks a million!!!
Thank you for the step by step instructions!!!!
Well done.
Nice, clean presentation of disassembly and re assembly. Thanks.
thanks for watching!
Why no tutorial on how to take tube magazine apart? My grandfather just gave me his and it is plugged to only allow 2 in the magazine
Could you make a quick video that shows how to take the magazine plug out? i don't have a manual and cannot figuire it out
I've got the same gun. Same year, gauge, etc.. I found that the cheap federal loads with 2 1/2 DRAM go through it just fine. I've put about 100 of those through it with no problem. I too got mine from my grandfather who got it from his dad who bought it before going into WWI and I wouldn't do anything with it that would hurt it. Just FYI.
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
that shot gun is in amazing shape
5:27 You're welcome!
I Have One..Early 14 Groove Pump.Like Yours..Solid!! Mine Is A Full Choke..Paid $350.00!!
What a gorgeous gun. Thanks for the video, you just saved me from my own stupidity. Got it back together. Mine is a 12 gauge "heavy duck" manufactured in 1951.
Mephistocephalic Glad it helped! Thanks for watching :)
Having problems with taking apart the barrel screw at the front any help would be nice
RST Company make 2.5 inch shotgun shells in all gauges for older guns. Also Kent makes short chamber shells. I use RST shells in my Parkers and Ansley Fox and Lefever side by sides.
I was going to add that - www.rstshells.com/store/m/4-20-Gauge.aspx
Not too expensive ($11.50 per box), and work just fine. Also, Classic Shooting Company (you can Google them) sells Holland & Holland 2 1/2" : 20 GA is $110, and free shipping for case. Also reliable supplier.
Interesting (to me) is I have the exact gun, built just 39 guns before this one.
Aguilla Mini Shell’s Also Work 😀😊
All so don't hold the trigger down when you pump the next round in because it will fire again it make a good deer gun for running targets.
A classic.
And looks to be in nice shape.
Fantastic, clear video.
I have a 16g Model 12 and have yet to play with it.
Thanks!
Quality 2 1/2" 20 g cartridges are available at reasonable prices from RST company and the Polywad company online and by phone.
I have severak model 12 shotguns over the years have 2 now 1918 and 1922 never seen 2 hokes in the stock for stock removal wonder if someone drilled the other would you know ?
Thanks for the detail in your video. My dad and I have a 1913 model 12 sn 24019 we are cleaning and restoring. The gun has been sitting in a barn for way too long, and has built up dirt and grime on every part. I need to know how to get the pump off the magazine tube for cleaning, please assist. Thanks, Colin.
glad it helped, thanks for watching!
Thanks for this video. I recently inherited one of these guns and needed to know how to disassemble and clean it. Great video! Thanks for posting!
The Model 37 by Ithaca was also capable to slam firing up till the 1990s, at which point they added a trigger disconnect.
Good vid. Thanks for the help.
I own a model 12, 12 gauge 2 3/4 chamber, I really found your video extremely helpful, but my takedown is different, wondering if your able to help out with that as well, I am the second owner, my father was the first. manufactured in early 1958......My problem is that I can not remove the pump action...the barrel no problem, and I am afraid to remove the trigger, for fear I will break something.
Hey man! I know this is a few years old but I found a great line on 2.5 inch shells. 25 for $12.49 in Colorado at Bass Pro. They import from a European manufacturer. I will be running these shells through my model 12 for the first time tomorrow. Let me know if you want store details.
I recently was given one and the serial number puts it's manufacture date in 1919. Can I use 2 3/4" shells? it is a 12 gauge model
Glad it will help, thanks for watching!
Beautiful shotgun! thanks for sharing.
that is a beautiful shotgun u got there. I have one in 16 ga that was my great grandfathers. great shotgun.
Wow, thats what I call a nice pump. How long has he owned it?
Thats for the info.
great video.
can you make a video to put it back together
how do you remove the fore-end wood? I want to refinish the fore end stock on my M12. Thx.
The best pump shot gun ever made
Thanks for video. I have Win Model 12 12ga version with an issue. After pumping a round into chamber and pulling trigger I must push the forend forward, I hear a click, then I can pull the forend back to eject/pump a shell. Same issue when dry cycled. Any ideas what may be causing this problem? All ideas appreciated.
I have the same issue! Have you had it fixed yet or have you heard any ideas? I was thinking about taking it to a gunsmith but not sure how much it would cost.
nicklaussen54 No responses yet. One of the posts indicated it was a design feature because of the low quality shot gun shells in 1912 i.e. hang fires. The idea was when firmly holding the forearm a normal explosive round would result in releasing the catch. A hang fire would permit the shooter a few extra seconds to consider ejecting. Thinking it was a design feature, I removed the bolt and degreased it. I then used gun oil to lubricate the bolt completely. It seemed to be much easier to dry fire and push the forearm forward to permit pumping another "round". My son also has the same gun and his also exhibits the same behavior. After cleaning the bolt is seems to act the same as the second gun which did not have the same issue at the range. I have not yet taken my gun to range to try it after the cleaning. Will post a response after I try it in few weeks.
Good luck.
what if the slide is stuck in place and the safety is stuck? the slide will not move any more than a smidgen. also there is no release button at the end of the barrel. any way you could help me out?
Sorry, that is a tough one to diagnose without having it in front of me. This is one of my grandfathers firearms, so don't have access to it currently :(
Thank you! I'm two years into hunting, been using my 12 for squirrel, rabbits, and turkeys. Still rather new to everything. How often does one suggest doing a full clean like this?
I always recommend a field strip cleaning after every use, and full cleaning every 50-100 rounds based on humidity in the storage environment.
@@intoweapons Hmmm. Gotcha thank you! Only really shooting when I hunt that might be only once every other year. Appreciate it.
awesome! thank you so much!
Thanks for the info and watching!
how do you remove the wooden slide for refinishing
sorry, if i didn't show it in the video, I wouldn't be able to help at this time. this gun is not in my collection currently (family members), so I don't have access to it for take down. perhaps another viewer might be able to assist. wish I could be of more help and thanks for watching!
It's fine, thank you for the reply
I have to same shotgun and 20 gauge works with it and its easy to find
where can I find a users guide for this gun and also where can I look to possibly find the year of manufacture?
The serial # on my model is172964
George Bond Sorry, it's been so long since I have done any research, not really sure where to point you. My only recommendation would be asking someone over at the GunBoards Forum... Really knowledgeable guys over there, might be able to help you out. Good luck!
George Bond appears to be 1917 -- dates of Model 12s (and others) can be found here:
winchestercollector.org/dates/
Nice video
Any chance you could make a video breaking down a Browning BPS 12 gauge? ;-)
shotgunaaron Sorry, don't own one of those :)
I have a property marked Model 12 from 1947, It doesnt have a takedown pin, it just has a screw at the end of the magazine tube. I cant get the action bar out to take the bolt out or take the gun apart.. Im baffled. Ive messed with takedown winchesters before, so I know how to take a model 12 apart, this is the first legit trenchgun Ive had though (I cant find any videos on an actual trenchgun model 12), any idea if they made the military models any different than the civi?
and yes, its numbers matching.
Full dissassembly? I thought that would include the action slide. Thanks for the rest though.
Is there any way you could upgrade the buttstock to a pistol grip?
+Jose Guero Not legally in most cases.
Thanks
+intoweapons why?
+skigdivider x ..was wondering if you could sometimes change it to a pistol stock
Yes you can.
Glad it helped!
When said it was a rifle I started to doubt he really knows the weapon. "Shotgun" not rifle!
Ok Boomer
Glad you found the video useful, thanks for watching!
You may be able to ream out the chamber to accept 2 3/4" shells if you find a qualified gunsmith, it would probably cost a decent amount but it would be worth it if you plan on shooting it semi-frequently.
The ejection port also has to be cut out to allow longer shells to eject.
I have the same gun with a 28 inch barrel full choke and I have 3 boxes of shell plus I have 3 boxes of slugs and on the side of my gun says 2 3/4 inch and all the stores up in Canada still sells 2 3/4 shells they don't call the shells 2 1/2 they where all ways 2 3/4. I have a box of Winchester Super X slugs in front of me and they measure 2.350" long and 2.700" fired
I have a model 42 4-10 guage it's the baby brother of the model 12 looks just like it and almost as long. It's worth more than the model 12.
I am not alone. Other people have inherited them and had no clue what to do with them.
All you have to do is Have a Gunsmith Re-Chamber the Two and a half out to Two and Three qt's Then you can go to Walmart and buy Shell's
Intoweapons, nice video. thanks, any intrests in selling it? Mike in cinti OH
Thank you!!!
Thomas Wilson Thanks for watching!
Might be easier to find those new Mini shells soon. Easier on that old timer to.
Nice.
sorry, not really sure as I don't have any experience/knowledge with that firearm in 12 ga.
I need parts
Lost me within the first 10 seconds with that rifle comment
lol, good point :) Sometimes my brain turns off when the camera turns on!
fully restored what's the value for a 20 gauge?
I'm working on one for a friend it's literally exactly like this but it's in very bad condition but I think I can clean the surface rust off and unfreeze it and if he doesn't have the right trigger assembly I can get one
restoring an old collector such as this will detract in value, so its hard to put a price on it. the one in the video was valued around $1000, but that was a few years ago and it could have changed. hope it helps!
IntoWeapons I just have a friend with one he said he remembered shooting it as a kid and it was a very nice 20 gauge modified choke and in all honesty the slide and pins and all freed up very easily and if the parts he found fit his gun it's an all original and it's strong enough to fire most definitely it's a 2 3/4 so I'm guessing it was the 20s-50s or whatever those years were but I have also found every single part imaginable to fix those guns with the original parts his even had a corncob front grip and I see those shotguns go for some crazy money hell I know most aren't original, which I'm doubtful he really wants to sell if he fixes it it's more sentimental
IntoWeapons I have been working on the shotgun today and I was having a hell of a time with the stock was stuck someone before me had worked on it over the years, I had come to realize it's the exact damn model as your shotgun, assuming yours was 20 gauge I just skipped to make sure I was doing it all right. but I want to see if he wants to restore it hell he may even sell it to me, I kinda know some of the original bluing techniques but hell I'd probably put a better stock on it and just clean it back up and run it like that but yours is extremely pristine very beautiful shotgun
Thanks for a well done video. But, PLEASE!.........it hurts to see you using those garden variety drivers on a classic gun that's in such good shape. Go buy yourself a set of Gunsmith's Screwdrivers! The benefits of using hollow ground drivers on the precision cut screw slots in these old guns is just HUGE. The interchangeable bit sets from Wheeler and Chapman are good starting places.........available at Brownell's, MidwayUSA, etc..........hell, even Home Dumpo. If you ever want to work on an original Browning Auto 5 you at least need the special bit set from Brownells to have any chance of doing a good job without buggering the screws.
Lol, I hear ya! This was when I was fairly new to firearms. Definitely come a long way since then! Thanks for watching and commenting.
PLEASE don't call this gun a "rifle"! It hurts to hear that.
@cybot63 I think you mean to say don't hold the trigger down when you fire UNLESS you actually want to shoot ridiculously fast :P Because 'MURICA!
my brain turns off when the camera turns on sometimes :)
He got it from his father, but he has had it about 65-70 years or so...
unfortunately not... it is back in my grandfather's collection.
2 3/4" shells are actually 2 1/2" long...
Yes, they are when they are UNfired. Once you shoot the shell, That crimp at the end opens up to 2 3/4 inches. So the barrel and receiver needs to be able to accommodate for the spent and opened shell.
This shotgun is actually my Grandfather's and not in my collection :)
im having the same problem
thank you very helpful 8/3/13
... Don't shoot larger than 6 shot. Doesn't pattern, at least in my 16
5:35
Save the dialogue and start watching at 7 minute mark
Good video but that’s a “shotgun” not a rifle.
Its a shotgun not a (riffle)
It is a shotgun not a rifle.
+loel fink already been mentioned, but thanks.
You only did half the gun
Disassembly of trigger guard!?! Lame
Way too long winded
It's not a rifle. First couple of sentences should turn anyone away from your video.
good vid.
Great video I have a nickel steel Winchester model 12-12 Ga full but I’m still trying to make it work ss# 479173
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!