question about Winchester model 12

btmj · January 13, 2012, 10:10 AM

I have a 16 ga. Winchester Model 12, which (according to the S/N cross reference) was made in 1935.

Is it OK to shoot steel shot through this gun?

Jim

Rifleman1776 · January 13, 2012, 10:17 AM

No.
It is too valuable as is to risk screwing up.

bbrownie · January 13, 2012, 10:18 AM

do not shoot steel shot thru that old gun. the steel shot will not compress like lead shot when it goes thru the choke and could burst the barrel.

30-30remchester · January 13, 2012, 10:33 AM

I use an old model 12 for the small amount of waterfowl hunting I do and I use bithmuth shot. As stated above in a fixed choke gun with constrictions tighter than improved cylinder, there is a real chance of swelling the barrel or even splitting it.

Dave McC · January 13, 2012, 03:13 PM

No, not steel nor most non toxics. Bismuth or similar "Soft" non toxics are OK, but best to get an Express for waterfowl and keep this fine old shotgun for other stuff.

Catfish · January 13, 2012, 08:03 PM

I have a model 12 that I do shoot steel through, but it is cylinder bore with a Polly Choke on it. I will not shoot steel in any of my choked model 12`s.

btmj · January 13, 2012, 10:31 PM

Thanks! This firearm has a lot of family value, so I don't want to damage it. This was my Wife's Grandfathers gun. I thought it would be cool and nostalgic to take it bird hunting. No problem. It is a fine gun for clay birds.

January 13, 2012, 10:18 AM	#3
bbrownie Junior Member Join Date: July 21, 2010 Location: Southern Ontario Posts: 6	do not shoot steel shot thru that old gun. the steel shot will not compress like lead shot when it goes thru the choke and could burst the barrel. Last edited by bbrownie; January 13, 2012 at 10:21 AM. Reason: omission

January 13, 2012, 10:17 AM	#2
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	No. It is too valuable as is to risk screwing up.

January 13, 2012, 10:33 AM	#4
30-30remchester Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2009 Location: mountains of colorado Posts: 977	I use an old model 12 for the small amount of waterfowl hunting I do and I use bithmuth shot. As stated above in a fixed choke gun with constrictions tighter than improved cylinder, there is a real chance of swelling the barrel or even splitting it.

January 13, 2012, 03:13 PM	#5
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	No, not steel nor most non toxics. Bismuth or similar "Soft" non toxics are OK, but best to get an Express for waterfowl and keep this fine old shotgun for other stuff.

January 13, 2012, 08:03 PM	#6
Catfish Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 171	I have a model 12 that I do shoot steel through, but it is cylinder bore with a Polly Choke on it. I will not shoot steel in any of my choked model 12`s.

January 13, 2012, 10:31 PM	#7
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	Thanks! This firearm has a lot of family value, so I don't want to damage it. This was my Wife's Grandfathers gun. I thought it would be cool and nostalgic to take it bird hunting. No problem. It is a fine gun for clay birds.