Winchester Model 12 1953 Ammo questions.

Lupercal1138 · Apr 25, 2018

I'll be soon acquiring a Win. Mod. 12 made in '53. And I'm curious from shooters and collectors more wise than I some clarification on the safest ammo to use. I've read some info that says any steel shot is a no go, but they mainly were referring to early generation models, no direct reference to 50s-60s. One barrel is the original that is 26 and ribbed made in '53, and the second shorter is cut, and current owner says is from early 60's. Are these barrels unable to also hand steel load, and should I just stick with softer options that act like like lead but of course less toxic options? Any facts or knowledge would be helpful.

Thanks for your time.

USMC-03 · Apr 25, 2018

My model 12 in 16 gage in from the early 40's and I shoot any modern ammunition available. The model 12 is a great shotgun and very strongly made.

Lupercal1138 · Apr 25, 2018

USMC-03 said:
My model 12 in 16 gage in from the early 40's and I shoot any modern ammunition available. The model 12 is a great shotgun and very strongly made.

Great to hear, mine's a 12g. I'm very excited to shoot it. Just didn't want to ruin it.

flashpan · Apr 25, 2018

I shot model 12's for duck hunting for many years using steel. (guns older than yours) The guns are certainly plenty strong enough to handle modern loads. The barrels you have will also handle steel but the concern is over the choke constriction. First know that back in the 50's shotgun shells did not have plastic shot cups which with modern lead and steel loads actually adds more constriction as the shot passes through the choke. I would not shoot steel in either of those of those barrels if they are modified or tighter choke. If you can measure the inside bore diameter at the end of the barrel when you get the gun you'll know. That bore diameter should be .729 and a modified choke at the end of the barrel would be .709 (20 thousands constriction). I do hope this helps. Enjoy the fine piece of shotgun history.

USMC-03 · Apr 25, 2018

Lupercal1138 said:
Great to hear, mines a 12g. I'm very excited shoot it. Just didn't want to ruin it.

I also have a 12 gage model 12 with cut down riot length barrel, not sure that the year of manufacture is; I run everything in it also, including heavy buckshot rounds.

USMC-03 · Apr 25, 2018

flashpan said:
I shot model 12's for duck hunting for many years using steel. (guns older than yours) The guns are certainly plenty strong enough to handle modern loads. The barrels you have will also handle steel but the concern is over the choke constriction. First know that back in the 50's shotgun shells did not have plastic shot cups which with modern lead and steel loads actually adds more constriction as the shot passes through the choke. I would not shoot steel in either of those of those barrels if they are modified or tighter choke. If you can measure the inside bore diameter at the end of the barrel when you get the gun you'll know. That bore diameter should be .729 and a modified choke at the end of the barrel would be .709 (20 thousands constriction). I do hope this helps. Enjoy the fine piece of shotgun history.

Agreed, I don't use steel shot in my model 12s; but then I don't hunt waterfowl.

Lupercal1138 · Apr 25, 2018

flashpan said:
I shot model 12's for duck hunting for many years using steel. (guns older than yours) The guns are certainly plenty strong enough to handle modern loads. The barrels you have will also handle steel but the concern is over the choke constriction. First know that back in the 50's shotgun shells did not have plastic shot cups which with modern lead and steel loads actually adds more constriction as the shot passes through the choke. I would not shoot steel in either of those of those barrels if they are modified or tighter choke. If you can measure the inside bore diameter at the end of the barrel when you get the gun you'll know. That bore diameter should be .729 and a modified choke at the end of the barrel would be .709 (20 thousands constriction). I do hope this helps. Enjoy the fine piece of shotgun history.

Very helpful! I too am falling into a shotgun history hole lately. Though I've enjoyed firearms for many years as I'm aging my tastes are becoming more for older, historically relevant, and firearms that overall have more character. From the many questions I asked the current owner it sounds like he has attachable chokes, but that the barrels are not modified, but quite a few attachable chokes come with this.

Mygrainman · Apr 25, 2018

Model 12s are VERY well built. Like any pre 64' Winchester they used real steel instead of alloys. They are better built than 99% of the new stuff out there IMHO. I reluctantly sold my 50's RIOT last month

..and man was it a sweetheart. It looked like it was made last year, the action was like butter. You could point it straight up and hold the release button and just the weight of the forgrip would open the action...dammm I miss it! But bills happen!
You can't go wrong with a well maintained model 12.

Lupercal1138 · Apr 25, 2018

Mygrainman said:
Model 12s are VERY well built. Like any pre 64' Winchester they used real steel instead of alloys. They are better built than 99% of the new stuff out there IMHO. I reluctantly sold my 50's RIOT last month..and man was it a sweetheart. It looked like it was made last year, the action was like butter. You could point it straight up and hold the release button and just the weight of the forgrip would open the action...dammm I miss it! But bills happen!
You can't go wrong with a well maintained model 12.

I saw your sale post last week and got so excited at first. I'm sure that bad boy sold quick. I'm feeling pretty fortunate that I'm getting two barrels and all kinds of chokes. I'm gonna take it hunting for sure. Yea, another reason I'm leaning towards buys of this nature is even if I had a $2000 AR with all kinds of doohickeys, in a worst case scenario something like a Model 12 will always create a strong demand. It's something I've wanted for awhile, but worst case I'll get what I paid for it in a selling position. I'm a sucker for guns with character.

flashpan · Apr 25, 2018

OK..now you have me jazzed up on M12's again. Here is some model 12 eye candy. This was a high school graduation gift from my father. As it came from the factory ... sometimes called a "Y" model.

Lupercal1138 · Apr 25, 2018

flashpan said:
OK..now you have me jazzed up on M12's again. Here is some model 12 eye candy. This was a high school graduation gift from my father. As it came from the factory ... sometimes called a "Y" model.
View attachment 453982

Very nice! I will be posting pics as soon as deal is done this weekend.
Truly a beautiful piece of firearm engineering.

mpmax · Apr 28, 2018

You didn't mention what choke was in the barrel. Tighter the choke, more risk shooting steel shot.
My model 12 -(1946) has a Cutts compensator on it, I shoot steel with the IC choke.
Both your guns will handle lead shot well.