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16 ga. Win. Mod 12
jds56
Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
Is there a way I can measure the correct chamber length of this shotgun? I bought this gun in the early 60's in a pawn shop in near new condition, SN.3600xx and have since fired several thousand rounds of off the shelf 2-3/4" shells with no problems. All have cycled thru the magazine and the fired hulls look normal, to me anyway. The little gun is still as tight and slick as ever. The barrel is stamped "NICKEL STEEL MOD 12-16GA MOD"
From reading this forum and others, it was made in 1924 for a 2-9/16" shell. I had no idea such a thing existed. Is 3/16" difference in shell length significant? An American Rifleman article implied that some of these vintage shotguns were chambered for 2-3/4" shells.
I want to pass this gun on but not if risky using modern 2-3/4" shells. Thank you for your advice.
From reading this forum and others, it was made in 1924 for a 2-9/16" shell. I had no idea such a thing existed. Is 3/16" difference in shell length significant? An American Rifleman article implied that some of these vintage shotguns were chambered for 2-3/4" shells.
I want to pass this gun on but not if risky using modern 2-3/4" shells. Thank you for your advice.
Comments
If the gun is not marked "2-3/4" on the barrel (or possibly on the bottom of the receiver just below the serial number), it was originally manufactured with a 2-9/16" chamber. There is also the possibilty that a previous owner had it opened up for the longer shells after-market (which I suspect because you are not having problems ejecting the empties). Any decent gunsmith should be able to verify the chamber length for you.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.