1915 Model 12 Question

Joe D. · 10-12-2022, 10:03 AM

I just picked up a model 12 that was made in 1915. The configuration is 30" solid rib full choke barrel, straight grip checkered stock, small checkered forend. In researching details of the gun I read that this happens to be the early tournament grade configuration and that the early ones were not marked with tournament grade. At any rate, it has fine checkering which has picked up some fill over the 107 years but wood is solid. Original barrel blue is great and magazine tube has what is to be expected at around 85% blue. Receiver and barrel extension have very little blue left as result of carry. As is, this gun really appeals to me. I really like the guns which (as condition evidences) were used a lot but well cared for. I am not inclined to rush out and make it look new.
Now for my question. Who would you recommend to clean up the checkering and "refresh" the wood finish correctly without going overboard?

Joe D. · 10-12-2022, 10:50 AM

I just took these in a hurry but sun is not cooperating yet.

Bill Murphy · 10-12-2022, 11:00 AM

Remove the buttplate and you will probably find "TOUR" or "TOURNAMENT" stamped on the wood. Of course, if the butt has been shortened, not so much.

Joe D. · 10-12-2022, 11:01 AM

My Lord, this is one long gun!! Trying to fit it into one picture is difficult! Here are a few more random shots:

Joe D. · 10-12-2022, 11:05 AM

Bill, Thank You for the reply. It has the original buttplate which has some cool edge fading but is original and in great condition. Will have a look later today. Have to cut grass now.

David C Porter · 10-12-2022, 11:36 AM

Barrel needs to be rust blued. Try Roger Eubanks: http://www.eubanksgunsmithing.com/

Joe D. · 10-12-2022, 11:44 AM

Thank You, Mr. Porter. I just brought the gun home yesterday and spent a couple hours cleaning it. The barrel has (IMO) 95% original rust blue with a liberal coat of RIG on it now making it appear a bit glossy. The bore cleaned up beautifully.

Joe D. · 10-16-2022, 10:56 AM

Well, after cutting the grass and a 3 day visit to my In-Laws in Kentucky I finally had time to check under the butt plate as Bill Murphy instructed. Sure enough it is stamped TOUR. and has the initials WS carved below it!! Thank You, Bill, for schooling me on this.
I checked the bore, as well. bore- .732" choke- .695" with approximately 3/8" parallel bore @ muzzle

Researcher · 10-16-2022, 11:51 AM

Here are the Tournament Grade from various Winchester paper. From a 1915 Winchester folder --

1915 Tournament Grade.jpg

From the 1916 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Gun 1916 Catalog No. 80, pg 142.jpg

From the 1920 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Grade, 1920 Catalog No. 82, pg 114.jpg

From the 1925 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Grade, 1925 Catalog No. 83, pg 42.jpg

By the next Winchester catalog I have, July 1931, the Tournament Grade had been replaced with the Standard Trap Grade, a gun offered in all three gauges. Also, the Trap Grade (Black Diamond) was replaced with the Special Trap Grade (also shown with the Black Diamond).

davidboyles · 10-16-2022, 03:17 PM

You have a very sweet M12. I've owned several duck models made somewhere around 1950. They will kill ducks close to a mile away!! Will surely kill doves with Lead at 60 plus yards . Enjoy this classic.