Will TSS Damage the barrell on a 1950's era 16 gauge winchester model 12 ?
I own a 1959 Win. Model 12 in 12ga. 28" Modified choke. The gun shop owner I bought the gun from is also my friend and has many years experience in gunsmithing. He told do not use any HTL shot because the barrels are much thinner than modern shotguns and using HTL COULD cause barrel damage. I took his advice and shoot only standard 2 3/4" Short Mag. lead in it. I would not use HTL in it but that is your decision. I know some fellows on here use it in vintage Model 12's but is it worth taking a chance? Take care Brother, from one who has traveled a bit and been to the East.
Quote from: WildTigerTrout on July 26, 2021, 10:18:39 PM
I own a 1959 Win. Model 12 in 12ga. 28" Modified choke. The gun shop owner I bought the gun from is also my friend and has many years experience in gunsmithing. He told do not use any HTL shot because the barrels are much thinner than modern shotguns and using HTL COULD cause barrel damage. I took his advice and shoot only standard 2 3/4" Short Mag. lead in it. I would not use HTL in it but that is your decision. I know some fellows on here use it in vintage Model 12's but is it worth taking a chance? Take care Brother, from one who has traveled a bit and been to the East.
Thanks for the assitance W.B., I dont think its worth the chance my self. SMIB
Buddy of mine's been a gunsmith 40 some odd years and the Model 12 is the gun he's always been obsessed with. He's probably got 25 or 30 Model 12s of his own. He turkey hunts a Model 12 that he's extended the chambering to 3" and threaded the barrel for modern chokes. We've shot TSS through his. But I asked him your question and he said, "Don't think it would ever be a problem. I've shot a pile of steel through one of my 12s. Them old nickel steel barrels are damn tough. I ain't never even seen a model 12 with a dent in the barrel."
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I have shot a few TSS thru my Model 12 but I have had the barrel reduced from 32" to 26" and choke tubes installed.