Grandfathers shotguns

J

John D.

Active member
Hey guys, I'm hoping some of you might be able to educate me a little on these two shotguns I inherited from my grandfather.

One is Winchester model 12 chambered in 3" Magnum with a 30" full choke barrel. It's beautiful. It is in great shape. The bluing is faded a little all over the gun and there are some scratches on the stock and forearm, but considering its age it looks great. It has a mechanical problem. When you work the action the magazine will try to eject all the shells in it. This causes it to jam up. As long as you only load one shell in the chamber it functions fine. I would appreciate any ideas about what the problem is here and how to fix it. If it isn't that complicated I'd like to tackle fixing myself.

My grandfather shot a lot of geese with this gun.

The other one I really know nothing about. It is a side-by-side double barrel with 28" barrels and double triggers. No hammers. It is a Baker. This gun is in near perfect condition. It does have a crack in the stock that my cousin fixed for my Grandfather like two decades ago. He did a good job it's fixed but you can still tell it was cracked. The gun has an upland scene engraved on both sides of the receiver. Two bird dogs jumping pheasants. Very pretty. This is the first gun I ever shot. My grandfather told me that this was his fathers shotgun. My grandfather was born in 1920 so this gun is old. I know nothing of Baker shotguns. Never run across another one before and I'm generally ignorant when it comes to old guns. I know nothing.

I appreciate any information you guys can give me. Thanks in advance

John D.
 
The model 12 seems like an easy fix, theres a clip that is supposed to hold the shells in, sounds like it is broken or missing.
The SXS is something else, it could be damascus barrels and may have real collector value to it, I think Rich Gemenski will know something about this gun. I'm sure he will chime in.
 
John,
Those nicks and scratches are what has built in the character of your grandfather's gun. I'll bet he could probably tell you when each was put on there/what ducks or geese he shot that day/and if he cussed because that first scratch all of a sudden appeared. Have fun and hope you can fix them to you liking.
Al
 
John, On the Model 12 Heavy Duck, I would take it to a competent gunsmith. However remove the plug first. If it is original it is worth $100-$150. You can tell if it is original as it will have information on the gun written on it. replace the plug with a wooden dowel and set the original plug on a shelf.

Baker guns, especially engraved models are very well built. You did not give enough info to track its origins, however Bakers are associated with L.C. Smith and later Ithaca gun companies. Get info from a good double gun dealer.

Hope this was some help.
 
Thanks everyone,

That is real interesting about the plug? I would have never even considered such a thing. I'm sure the Baker is a Damascus steel gun, my grandfather told me it was. Does anyone know if there are any distinguishing markings or particular features to look for on the Baker that would give some clues as to its origins and value?
 
Sounds like a little wear on a sweet old gun. The model 12 can be worth a few dollars. Can't estimate worth without some pictures. Without seeing the gun, it might be the shell stop. I would advise to take it to a good gunsmith, he will repair and test fire his repairs.
As far as the Baker goes it may have damascus barrels. Look for a swirl pattern on the barrels. If they are a gunsmith should be able to see if it is safe to fire. Many old guns are ok to use with light loads. As far as worth, they made about 10 different models. They better ones had ejectors and single trigger. Engraving is more elaberate and the better guns.
Try Shotgun World forum, if you post include pictures. Good bunch of guys there. Stop by a good shop in your area and they can help. Tell them ahead they are not for sale.
 
And for the record I have no intention of ever selling either of these guns.
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Good for you! Thats truly a family treasure.

I have a 3" model 12. I don't shoot it much but when I do it's kind of neat to think back to the day when that was one of the waterfowling guns of choice. It's always a trick to remember to pump it since I've shot an auto for years.

Enjoy the guns......
 
John,
cool story. Do you have any pictures? That model 12 is a classic, but the Baker is a real sleeper. Those are cool guns.

Enjoy the ride learning about them.
Do a bit of searching on the web and you will find a lot.

Bob
 
as others have said... the model 12 is a simple fix for a good gunsmith... although a good gunsmith is often not too easy to find... I don't know all that much in particular about baker shotguns ... but ...while a set of barrels with the telltale swirl pattern is undoubtedly damascus...not all damascus barrels have the swirl pattern...the swirl shows itself after the manufacturer etched the surface with acid...i heard this one time and always kept it in the back of my mind when looking at older fireams...damascus barrels were offered for a long time after the introduction of fluid steel barrels for many reasons...if the barrels are damascus, briley inc offers slip in tubes which allow modern ammunition to be fired in an otherwise fine gun...from all i have heard , briley does top quality work... sleeve it from 12 to 20 ga, load some premium shells & swat some teal or buffies... your grandfather would be proud...
 
My grandfather told me the barrels were Damascus. They do not have a swirl pattern however, just as has been described. This double barrel was the first gun I ever shot and I fired regular ol' modern #8 shot out of it. My grandfather didn't pay any attention to being careful about shooting modern loads. He used this thing without a second thought. I've taken the gun dove hunting and killed birds with it and I've seen my grandfather shoot birds with it as well. I'm curious to know what you guys think of this? Is this gun dangerous?

I'm going to try and locate a good gunsmith. I don't know one, (well I do know a gun smith but wouldn't let him work on a BB gun), I would really like to get the model 12 in good working order so I could take it goose hunting when I'm feeling nostalgic. So what should I know about shooting steel shot through this gun? Please don't tell me it will ruin the barrel.
 
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