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Joined: 26 May 2014 Posts: 29 Location: SW Georgia

I have a 16 gauge model 12, made in 1941, that for lack of a better description,is stiff to pump. It has been thoroughly cleaned and lubricated, so that can't be the problem. If I take it to the local gunsmith, if past is prologue he will keep it for a year, so that is my last option. Any ideas?

No forend wood rubbing or slide tube hangup anywhere along the travel of the action? How about tweeked action bar? If those have been eliminated already then it sounds like you have a good tight gun that just likes to be manhandled...

Joined: 26 May 2014 Posts: 29 Location: SW Georgia

Thanks for the advice, Waggo. I will check that out.

A friend of mine bought a 16ga Model 12 with the same problem.As he shoots it more it is getting looser. Just like wagon said manhandle it for a few hundred rounds.

Regards,Gordon

Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 380 Location: Northeast Ohio

If the sluggishness does not resolve itself with use, there are several gunsmiths available nationally who know Model 12s inside and out and will have your gun back to you much faster than a year, which would be worth the extra cost for shipping.

For years until recently, I shot small framed model 12s almost exclusively for all my shooting; from competition, to hunting, to fun practice. I would occasionally short stroke or have an ammo problem (especially trying to pry one last load out of hard to find 16 ga. hulls!). But my occasional hiccups were not caused by the gun. You just gotta pump them firmly and completely.

I hope that is all that there is to your problem. If not, a little research should net you a reasonably fast and very competent Model 12 gunsmith.

Good luck!

Joined: 26 May 2014 Posts: 29 Location: SW Georgia

I appreciate all of the replies, and will heed the advice given. It could just be that the gun has never been shot much, and compared to my other well used Model 12's it is a little stiff, if not, I will look up a model 12 expert.

Member Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 401 Location: Tennessee

Stu Wright is THE M12 guru. http://www.wrightsgunsmiths.com/

There is no cure. You should sell it to me and forget about fixing it... Laughing

I have had a few. They do loosen up with use if it had little use before now. Once they do they are among the sweetest guns to swing and shoot. There is a reason they are still the 'standard' that others are STILL compared to.

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1257 Location: Nebraska

Only one I had that was stiff in operation had been repaired when I had it restocked. The "action slide spring" was apparently reattached (or replaced) in such a way that a portion of it rubbed against the inside of the slide. Felt like the drag was within the receiver, but removing the slide showed scratching on its interior and a couple bright spots on the spring itself. I filed/sanded those down and the gun works fine with some slide-to-spring clearance reestablished. Hope the trouble with yours is as easily fixed.

Joined: 03 Feb 2014 Posts: 325 Location: West Texas

Trade it for a M31 ?? Very Happy