so im going to get my familys old winchester and was wondering if there is any thing i should look at before using it. my grandpa and great grandpa got two of these around world war one and im gettin my grandpas. i has been used usaly once a year buy my dad recently an is in good shape (exterior wise) but is also well loved. im a gun virgin so any advise would be great and also are they good guns?

 

i got one made in 1936 that my great uncle bought new.....its a 16 gauge.....just keep it clean and dont beat it around......

 

sweeet its a 12ga and ill take some pics when i get a chance to grab her

 

DO NOT SHOOT STEEL SHOT SHELLS IN IT! Especially if it has a full choke.

Better yet, you might as well just pack it up and send it to me. A Mod. 12 isn't for virgins!

 

i has a modified choke and your not going to get her family heirloom that goes bang =D so no steel shot and keep her clean sweet

 

just make sure you clean your finger prints off of the metal after you touch it EVERY TIME!....to avoid rust...

 

I wouldnt even use it.

 

Keep it clean and the bore and exterior oiled for storage. Older guns often are prone to rust( bluing thin or worn).

 

One other thing to check is the feed throat, the old 12's seem to rust there and shells won't load right. Mine had to be machined at the smith's to get it pumping right again.

 

well she was used last year and worked great and has been maintained well still has most of the original blueing (maybe all not shure havent seen the gun in about a year) and the wood is in good shape she has been well loved and with that love lots of use