Winchester model 12 - any info you have about this model?

[YGOHOME]

My grandfather left me with this shotgun just prior to his passing away a number of years ago. I know nothing about shotguns really and I'd like to know more about this particular model. Photos are below... this hasn't been shot in about 15 yrs since he'd left it with me. He would let me shoot it occaisionally when I was 10 or 12 back in the early 80s. So now I want to get it in good condition again and start shooting with it. I live in North Scottsdale and I've noticed the scottsdale gun club off of northsight and raintree. Is this a good place to join and for me to get started using this gun again and will they offer good tips/advice on maint for it? What ammo to use and where can I go for it too?

I'm not sure how old it is but he's had it since at least the early 70's which is as far back as I can remember.

Thanks,

Ben

http://www.photodump.com/direct/ygohome/winchester002m.jpg
http://www.photodump.com/direct/ygohome/winchester008m.jpg
http://www.photodump.com/direct/ygohome/winchester007m.jpg
http://www.photodump.com/direct/ygohome/winchester016m.jpg
http://www.photodump.com/direct/ygohome/winchester001m.jpg

[knockonit]

A winchester model 12 pump is a great weapon and hunting tool,
Highly recommend cleaning and lubricating before using.
Lessions on shooting and safety would be good also, the scottsdale club is ok, i heard it is $$$ there is also the Ben Avery shooting range on carefree highway, they usually have programs for beginners and refresher courses.
Also i have used Shooters world for some of my daughters pistol work.
Tyically any 12 gauge (confirm gauge should be on barrel) shot gun shells work, some will be chambered for 3'' but some also could be for 2-3/4 inch, it also would be on barrel.
Try 7.5 or 8. shot to begin with typical bird shot has a nice pattern.
have fun and remember whether loaded or not treat it as such.
Keep broken down or locked unless used.
Oh yes get some hearing protection, ear plugs or ear muffs, you'll enjoy it much more when you can hear afterwards.
OH yeah an ice pack for the shoulder after 25 rounds or so, till you get used to it.
good luck and good shooting.

[strider]

Your MOD 12 is a 3" chamber. Great shooting guns! I would just make sure NOT to shoot steel shot in it. If you want to start shooting again I would go to Ben Avery with a couple of boxes of Trap/Skeet loads and have some fun. I am a member at SGC and it is a great place. Just not the best for long guns. Have fun and take care of it and you can pass it along to your kids!

[YGOHOME]

Thanks for the info. I'll head over to Ben Avery shooting range.

[Antman]

The Model 12 is the early version of the more modern model 1200. Both great shooters and virtually identical. I have and own both and enjoy shooting them.