I have a 1919 Winchester Model 12 in 16ga choked full. ?

Question

It is a great gone with a factory VR and I would like to get it re-choked. Is this an easy thing to do? A smart thing to do? Can you recommend someone that would do a good job? Should I get it simply choked or so it will take s***w in chokes?

Answer 1

No because it will lessen the Value of it dramatically.* If you don't care about that then have a competent Gunsmith install a Poly-Choke or the s***w in type chokes.* I prefer the Poly-Choke myself, it allows you to change chokes simply by turning it like your using the nozzle of a garden hose to go from improved cylinder to modified, and then Full Choke.*

Answer 2

The early Winchester Model 12 16 gauge built at about that time (I don't know when the change was made) had a chamber designed for 2 9/16 inch long cartridge hulls that had a rolled crimp rather than the folding crimp of the modern 2 3/4 inch shells.  The loaded shells are the same, but the fired hull is a different length.  If modern shells are fired in the old shorter chambers, the longer hull length will extend into the barrel forcing cone causing excessive pressure.  If your gun has the older shorter chamber, both the chamber and the ejection port will need to be lengthened to fire modern ammunition.  A old gun like you describe is worth a lot as a collector and it would be desirable to either keep it in original condition (it's value will increase) or sell it and buy a newer one (at a much lower price) for shooting.