Hi All,

I bought a 12 ga a couple years back as a project gun. The intent was to transform it for home defense as so many have done. Aside from stripping/cleaning/reassembling, I cut the barrel, added a brass bead, shortened the stock , added a new pad, and did some other bits.



Unfortunately, cycling is an issue. It will lock-up after the first shot most of the time. I’ve put 75 rounds through it, doing as much troubleshooting as I cared to. So, I took it to a local gunsmith familiar with Model 12’s and sadly he recently passed away while waiting for parts from Jack First. I then consulted with another local gunsmith and he said he’d likely have issue getting parts as well.

I wanted to see if anyone here has any recommendations. I’d love to get the gun running (and reliably so), but I think I may be costly. Wondering if I should consign it as somewhat inoperable, part it out, or other.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Todd

When my mdl 12 needs attention I contact Simmons.
https://simmonsguns.com/

I would contact Art's Gun Shop in Hillsboro, MO. They are the preeminent Browning Auto 5 shop but they also specialize in Model 12's.

If you don't think they can help, buy another Model 12 and see if that's better. Might can have 1 great gun out of the two of them and might be cheaper than having someone source individual parts.

You may want to go to shotgunworld.com and then to the "I Love My...Winchester" section and see what some of those members have to say. Good info there and good luck.

Thanks. I will reach out to them and also jump on that forum.

You're welcome.

There are several smiths in or near phoenix who work on 12s for CAS. I'll keep my ear out on who may be near you.