I know this is a stupid question, especially from someone with the user name mod12maniac but I actually do not know what size chamber the 1912 12ga has. LOL! I have heard they are 2 1/2". Is this true? I have owned several true mod 12 12ga's but never a 1912 until just a couple years ago. I purchased a beautiful one made in 1917. I have shot it using 2 3/4" shells with no ill affects. Am I doing wrong? Hope to get some help. Thanks in advance!

Some of the old model 97's were chambered for 2 5/8" shells. I have one, made in 1909. It works fine. If the end of the hull is all shredded, you might have a short chamber. In short, if it works fine I wouldn't worry about it.

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

mod12maniac wrote:I know this is a stupid question, especially from someone with the user name mod12maniac but I actually do not know what size chamber the 1912 12ga has. LOL! I have heard they are 2 1/2". Is this true?

Based on everything I've read, all early-model 12 ga 1912's had a 2-3/4" chamber or 3" chamber.

My 20 ga certainly had the issue, it was a first year model and after 102 years, I had it extended to 2-3/4". It was either that, or make it a wall-hanger.

I did unknowingly shoot many 2-3/4" shells through it when I was young & dumb - but that's no excuse. I'll feel safer firing it (with light loads) knowing the chamber is the right size!

Welcome to the Winchester Owners Forum Maniac !!

Read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912

The standard of the day was: 20 Ga.-2.5". 16 Ga.- 2 9/16". 12 Ga. was 2 5/8"