16ga.com ~ View topic - first post

Joined: 25 Mar 2007 Posts: 5

Hi all,

Just found this place after doing some research on a gun I bought last week. I found a 1925 Winchester Model 12 in 16 gauge, with a nickel steel 26" barrel, and it is stamped CYL which leads me to believe it is just a straight tube. I figure to try this gun on quail, and am planning to purchase a case of ammo. I know I need short 2&1/2" shells as the chambers measure 2&9/16", and am looking for a recomendation on the shells to buy...

It is my first model twelve, and 16 for that matter. I have two other guns, but they are both 20's. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Per the Good Rev.

Here's a list and most case prices are $85:

Polywad 'Vintager' http://www.polywad-shotgun-shells.com 800-998-0669
Eley http://eleyshotshells.com 512-821-9953 or
http://www.kirklees-guns.co.uk/Eley%20Hawk/Eley%20Hunting.htm
Kent/Gamebore http://www.firearmservice.com 512-821-9953
RST http://www.rstshells.com 570-553-1651 Will mix and match shot size in a case purchase
B&P offers 67mm shells designed to shoot in 65mm chambers http://www.bandpusa.com/ 800-683-0464
WestleyRichards http://www.westleyrichards.com/gun/ammo_shot.php

Should you decide you don't want that 16 gauge model 12, give me holler.

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1257 Location: Nebraska

That sounds like a sweet gun and the 2.5" shells should work out just fine. I don't know the relative quality of tha various short shells, but any with hard shot can be your standard shell for hunting and patterning will prove which those will be.

I had a short-chambered M12 cut to 26", making it a true Cylinder, and patterned it against a factory IC barrel of only .005". They were within 1% of each other at 30 yards with the shells I was using, about as far as I figured they would be effective. I now have an original Cyl gun and am very pleased with it since it functions perfectly with any shell I've run thorugh it to date. That's something that can't be said for every M12 16, even if originally a 2 3/4" shell gun. On the other hand that first gun of mine, although a short-shell model of the 1920's, would feed Remington game loads reliably.

kgb

Welcome aboard birdy! I shoot B&P 2.5" in my English 12ga. They are a great shells and B&P sells short 16s as well. They currently have free shipping.

https://www.bandpusa.com/Shopping/index.php/cPath/1_10_12

Joined: 25 Mar 2007 Posts: 5

Thanks for the warm welcome. Bought a case of 65mm shells from westley richards. Gonna shoot 'em out in the desert week after next (spring break vacation - I'm a teacher) and see if I fall in love. I'll keep ya posted.

Already wondering if I can get slugs or buckshot in 65mm...hmm...