Win Mod12 Trench Gun Conversion

[browningautorifle]

Go on over to the machinegunboards forum and scroll down to the shotgun subforum. There are some sg experts over there.

You had Tom Doniphon here, there are none better. He told you what was what.

Information

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[Madcap]

Attachment 123768
If there is 20 inches of barrel I would cut it there and install a mount. Also I don’t think the pump handle is correct for a riot gun. Go on over to the machinegunboards forum and scroll down to the shotgun subforum. There are some sg experts over there.

The barrel has enough to cut it. It would need to be cut at 20-1/2" according to East Taylor. Actually my Riot Gun barrel is 20-5/8" exactly. At any rate if I decide cut it'll have enough. Also you're correct - the slide would need replacing. The one that's on it has some nice grain but not at all the right one. This is such a sweet old gun - and probably cherished for many years. It shows excellent care and I actually have some hesitation to modify it, but if I do, hopefully I'd like to do it right.
Best -

[Surpmil]

I posted a previous thread about converting my original WWII Model 97 Riot to Trench Gun but decided against it in order to conserve it's original history. Since then I acquired an E series Model 12 mfd 1946 with original "CYL" bore that could make an ideal candidate for a conversion but unfortunately it has a Cutts Compensator. Not only that but the gun is in much better original condition than expected which again gives me pause about modifying another nice old gun.

Another issue is finding a quality repro bayonet adapter that's been difficult. Photos are provided in order to encourage comment.

Not sure if the compensator is factory or added later.

Photos included to encourage for comment.

Thanks

edit: barrel measures 28" with compensator

Your instincts are good IMHO. If you want a functional gun what is gained from adding the bayonet mount anyway? Not that a bayonet isn't a useful appliance, if only psychologically, but I'd look for one like mine which has already had the Coutts cut off.

[Madcap]

Your instincts are good IMHO. If you want a functional gun what is gained from adding the bayonet mount anyway? Not that a bayonet isn't a useful appliance, if only psychologically, but I'd look for one like mine which has already had the Coutts cut off.

Based on what information is available it appears the compensator was a personal add on. That being the case it helps to justify cutting the barrel on the other hand I haven't convinced myself it the best thing to do to this fine old gun. I've been looking for another donor with a "CYL" bore but so far nothing has come up that's in good condition for a reasonable price.
Interesting enough I did find what appears to be a completely original, excellent condition, early M97 WWII Trench Gun - price is $1700. I'm selling another shotgun today and if I sold the current donor it might be a tempting alternative - if it lasts long enough.

A Trench Gun bayonet mount isn't a practical accessory as much as the attraction to the weapon's unique presence and military significance.

[Madcap]

Decided to disassemble the barrel and mag tube for inspecting and cleaning. The mag spring has some rust and should be replaced. Tube and follower OK.
The slide sleeve cap apparently had some strange, sloppy work on it and I wonder if anyone can shed some light on what and why -

[browningautorifle]

some strange, sloppy work

Looks like someone was at it after the factory.

[baltimoreed]

That’s weird the way it’s cut. While you have it apart put a 6 round kit in it. Just looked on eBay but didn’t see one. You might try GPC.

[Tom Doniphon]

"The slide sleeve cap apparently had some strange, sloppy work on it and I wonder if anyone can shed some light on what and why-"

It's damaged. Not sure how or why. I'd buy a replacement. You can probably find one on eBay for $20.

[Madcap]

I'm leaning more to converting it now to a trench but I still need a heat shield somewhere for the bayonet adapter. One might be able to made but it's probably going to take a while either way to make one or find a compete assembly already made up.
Meantime I can't understand what someone was up to with that sleeve cap....

[rcathey]

If you’re interested in proceeding with the laser cut heat shield, I’ll need the remaining stub in hand to make a more accurate drawing.