Winchester 1912 20 ga

[Baltimoreed]

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Found this in Richmond last week. A Winchester Model 1912 in 20 ga made in 1914. Never handled one before, nice gun. Ugly but not in bad shape. Wood is solid, found a dent in the mag that was causing the follower to stick, not sure if it’s still short chambered but I’m hoping when the polychoke was put on it had the forcing cone lengthened. Not sure what I’m going to do with it but I thought it was cute as it’s smaller than a 12 ga M12 and was a good price plus I already reload for 20 ga. Used a socket on an extension with a plastic mallet to iron out the mag tube dent. I think it would make a neat riot gun with a sling. The guys over on the shotgun forum think I should leave it alone but it’s not a collectible imo, the polychoke ruined that. Still thinking.

[Jedman]

They are nice shotguns especially in 20 ga. I have never owned one but have looked at them many times back in the 70’s and 80’s when I owned a truck load of shotguns. I have owned several Ithaca 37’s that had polychokes and they have all been 16 ga. If you can get over thinking they ruin the gun you find they actually work good and I have killed a lot of ducks and pheasants with them.
Finding a nice gun like that at a good price is like getting a gift ! They just don’t make them like that anymore.

Jedman

[pietro]

.

Nice find ! !

Since it doesn't have a raised rib, the PolyChoke blends in nicely - I'd use it as-is.

[Bmi48219]

I wouldn’t butcher it because of the poly-choke, they work! You can buy a new pump riot gun pretty cheap. Be a shame to ruin a 108 year old gun.

[Walks]

Polychokes do work. With it that shotgun could shoot Skeet and go to Pheasent w/o a problem. I would put utility over looks. But I sure wouldn't cut off the Polychoke and leave a cylinder bore gun.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I had one in 16 gauge on the same frame. Beautiful little gun. Recoil did get your attention.

[W.R.Buchanan]

So Ed,,, when are you gonna tell us what you paid for that one? I saw one yesterday out here in CA that was a 12 ga. In similar condition and they wanted $2499. for it! Did you get a deal?

Randy

[Golfswithwolves]

Mr. ed- That is a beautiful hunting shotgun as is. What in the world makes you think that you need a "riot gun"? Please leave the barrel alone or sell the gun to somebody who can appreciate it for what it is. Bob