Winchester M12 trench gun questions

[Berwyn]

I just bought a Winchester M12 trench gun, serial # 1006XXX. I think that makes it a 1945/6. The stock has GHD and a small ordinance wheel. The receiver is US marked with an ordinance bomb. The barrel is 20in cyl bore with an ordinance bomb. The bad news is Bubba was the previous owner. He cut down the bayo/heat shield to just a small piece to support the magazine tube and brazed it to the barrel, threaded the barrel and installed a screw on choke, filled in the stock swivel slot, and installed a big ol’ butt pad. The good news is I paid $125 for it. I have a cheap piece of Chinese junk heat shield I installed for the short term while I look for an original. Someone told me a Win 1200 heat shield might be easer to find. Would a Win 1200 shield fit? As you can see in the picture, the bayo lug hides Bubba's handy work. The gun has lost quite a bit of its blue. I was thinking about a park job since the modifications have destroyed its collector value. Any thoughts on that. If I do decide to have it parked, I might consider a repro heat shield. Are there any quality ones available? One last question, I need a butt plate. Is it the standard plastic one like the commercial guns or something else?

Information

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[sgt 0311]

Heat Shield And Various Other M12 Trench Parts On Gun Broker Right Now. Also Shows The Proper Hard Rubber Butt Plate.

[browningautorifle]

I hope you have luck getting the parts suggested to sort this one out. After it's assembled you have the hard task of soul searching to dedcide what the finishing touch is. If you read up on Canfield's book for instance or some of the others available you will have a better handle on what finish you want. We could suggest things or insist you do this or that, but in the end when you look at it and it feels right, you're done.

[emmagee1917]

...a real , complete , all there type of gun. It had been used , carried a lot. The markings around the reciever/bbl interface had almost been rubbed off from someones hand. It had been completely gone through action wise and reblued. The lost markings were not restored. I did not see it before the restoration. I paid $1000 for it , and I love it. I can take it out and use it to my heart's content and not worry about it. I'd say restore it back to close to new and enjoy. My .02.
Chris

[danb]

check gun parts corp i think they have original barrels and repro parts a mod 97 sheild will fit

[DrMark]

...a mod 97 sheild will fit

So the heat shields from the Model 97 and Model 12 trench guns are interchangable?

[CapnJohn]

Try Sarco, Inc., Firearms, Firearms Parts and Accessories, go to the e-store and check for one under shotgun parts. Joe Poyer's book on the 97 & 12 says they are the same. part no. W97058.It may show unavailable but I just called and they took the order. PLEASE CONFIRM THEY ARE THE SAME.

[DrMark]

Try Sarco, Inc., Firearms, Firearms Parts and Accessories, go to the e-store and check for one under shotgun parts. Joe Poyer's book on the 97 & 12 says they are the same. part no. W97058.It may show unavailable but I just called and they took the order. PLEASE CONFIRM THEY ARE THE SAME.

That's good to hear.

Thanks for responding!

[tnraines]

I assume most if not all where in the 20inch length, but can someone tell me what type of choke they had? Mod, full etc.? Reason I ask is, I can not find a barrel for a trench in stock, but was able to find a 21inch barrel, while not orginal can a smith knock down an inch and at least I have a passable replacement?

Forgive me if this is a stupid question my other M12 was made somewhere between 1922 and 23 best as I can tell via the Serial # and the length of barrel is much longer.

Troy

---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:02 AM ----------

sorry meant to ask in new thread not hijack the orginal post

[browningautorifle]

The bbls are marked CYL and are cylinder bore. You have to contend with that mark as well as cutting a bbl down. You're going to chase your tail on this if you don't wait for the correct parts. It will always be a little out of whack and it'll bother you.