The Brownells book is also available in a loose leaf edition. I recommend this over the hardbound copy, as it is easier to use in the shop because just the pages you need can be pulled out... Keep it in a three ring binder. Brownells part number 108-002-100WB Big Book Catalog, Issue:72, Page:378

"not a deep dive" posts a 48 min video still watched every min of it

I'm so happy anvil is still going strong

The barrel assembly on the 12 is very reminiscent of the barrel assembly on the Sjogren. Same toothed locking wedge and everything.

You, Sir, just brought back a bunch of memories. In the 60's by Dad's friend said he could get my Dad's 16 ga, Model 12, hot blued for him. My dad broke the gun down into the stock-receiver and barrel groups and gave it to his friend. Said friend brought the gun back all shinny blued and every dang part separated in a paper bag. Talk about a puzzle! Took about 5 long nights to get it back together; just one "extra" part when we got done. If I remember right, it was the little flat spring that goes between the magazine tube and the barrel. Had to go see a local gunsmith to find out where that spring belonged - I think it was a hard blow to my dad's ego. Thanks for all your great videos!

Mark, I just came across your video, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your work. I have a covey of Model 12's from every decade. I have a 1947 M12 in 12 ga that I've been hunting with for over 50 years and I have to replace the mag tube. Your video has greatly enhanced my understanding of my weapons and without a doubt will prevent me from breaking things. I hunt a lot of birds, and the only other mechanical issue I've had is having to replace extractors about four years ago after thousands of roosters, huns, and sharptails. The M12's are truly great and reliable shotguns. Thank you for your excellent work!

LMAO the right amount of oil after the air line. I totally agree with you. I love your conservation videos on old guns. I am a gunmaker in the UK and I got bored with gun making. (Ex Purdey barrel maker) So I now repair and restore guns instead. Much, much more interesting. I find American guns very interesting and have "conserved" a few Winchesters (including a Win-Lite), LeFevers and Parkers over here. So glad I found your channel. A breath of fresh air to the usual stale British stuff.

Thanks! I love my old 16ga. model 12 that my Dad gave me, and he got from his Dad who bought it new in 1922. She is not in the greatest shape however from "lack of proper maintenance". Still shoots and takes down like a dream, though. Nice and tight to this day. Great tips for complete disassembly for a deep clean and lube. Much appreciated.

Thank you for this episode. My ‘13 built model 12 in 20 gauge is in good condition(blueing running shiny in a couple places) and I know how to get it completely apart but that foreend bamboozles me. Great lesson today Mark and Co.!

Mark: "So we've got this thing laid out on the tray..." Me: *_Nice._*

One mans slam fire is another mans speed rock

48 minutes? I dunno if I've got the patience to sit through such a long video. After no time I see Bruno smiling contently after firing the shotgun. Time travel indeed!

I have my great grandfather’s model 12. Dad had it refinished in the 70s. Still cool as the day my cousin gave it to me. Thanks Anvil!

Hemingway loved his model 12, one of his most cherised shotguns. With 5+1 of birdshot or buck, hold good, hold in trigger and pump, leopard handler and counter terr option it was.

I love Watco Danish oil. I've used it on several regular wood projects (shelves, etc) inside. It's just so easy to use and it really makes the grain on dry wood pop.

One of the best series on YT. Thank you for your time Mark and Bruno!

I'm starting to think that being an 'internet gunsmith' that *works on glocks and ARs* isn't as hard as being a real gun smith with clients and stuff that's older than my extended family. Really though, fantastic video. Thank you and the team for all the effort.

Tea ball..! Where was that pearl of wisdom all this time.. ?

By far, the best Model 12 assembly and diagnostic video out there. Mark Novak did a phenomenal job with this work. Don’t even waste your time with the other videos out there. Mark’s May be the longest, but you’ll learn the most.

Im having some trigger group issues with my ol Mav 88 and was searching youtube for some help and clicked on this video by mistake. And I can say for once that I fat finger mouse clicked on the best damned video Ive seen in several years. I have no clue about old or new shotguns but this video had me totally focused on the content. Thanks man, that was great watching and great presentation on your part. So now Im subscribed just to see what happens on the next vid. Thanks again, and stay safe out there. Salute.

Dad was a book keeper at a car dealer many years ago. Tool sales guy comes in to the shop and tries to sell the mechanics a metric crescent wrench. It makes for a good story anyway. As always, Thanks for the info on maintaining the Gat mark 12 *** .

This is one of the best channels I’ve ever found on KZfaq. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge with us.

Your videos are timely. My next two projects are a Model 12 someone cut the buttstock down for a kid and the safety doesn't work. There's a left handed screw? Good to know. The other is a Remington Model 11 farm gun, so it needs everything. I also like that you preach to do the maintenance.

A shotgun so awesome, I bought two. A early 1945, and a mid 1955, both purchased for less than 450 each. not cheap, but there is something to be said for the 6+1 when you drop the "plug" out. With a bit of practice, you can get to the point of being able to empty the magazine through it in about 2 seconds, into a 4'x4' area at around 20-30 yards. Fun!

Mark, it is a privilege to watch a craftsman such as yourself ply his craft and skills. Thank you and Bruno for all of your efforts to take us along down the rabbit hole. Bless you and yours.

My first shotgun was a 12 Ga. Model 12 made in 1959... a year before I was born. It was given to me on my 12th birthday. I had already spent the previous 2 years with a borrowed 20 Ga. Model 12 and the transition was instinctive. I taught myself to field-strip and clean it. Nothing else feels or shoots like a Model 12... especially for waterfowl hunting. The weight and balance are practically perfect

I like your scientific methods. I use one of those for manual freezer deicing: You know the ice needs to go when the freezer drawers start rubbing on it.

I absolutely love my 1951 16 gauge model 12. It is the first gun I bought for myself after I turned 18. Mine had a the magazine tube deformed at the back end were it threads into the receiver, causing the rims to get stuck and causing malfunctions. I was able to fix it by turning a tapered aluminum mandrel and driving it through the dented end. It also had a rough firing pin, occasionally causing pierced primers. That was fixed with a little TLC and a stone. The next fix on my list is replacing the hacked up stock with one that fits me properly. It is hard to describe how amazing these old guns feel. EVERYTHING is machined hand fitted on them and they balance very well. Absolutely no stamped parts anywhere. If you can find a decent shooter for around the same price as a new pump gun I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up. Nothing made today compares.

@20:18 “and if you reeeeaaally want to do that…. requires an 8’ breaker bar, 5hit load of heat… I don’t really recommend it” literally cried out loud as that’s exactly what I came to this video for. Thank you for letting me down all easy!

50's era Winchester Model 12; the very first gun that I bought for $115 at a Michigan gun show in 1971 as a freshman in UM Engineering College. I managed to take it apart clean it out and put it back together without screwing it up or losing parts; without a manual. Sweet shotgun.

Another excellent video from Mr. Novak and Bruno. I enjoy every single one that you post. Thank you for taking the time to explain every little piece that makes these firearms function. It is absolutely enjoyable!

Thanks, Mark! Beautiful work, great production and your choice of music, when included, is too cool...

Thank you, I have a model 1897 which I love. you have given me so much respect for the designers. You are great Mark. Again Thank you.

Thank you, I have owned my model 12 tor over 50 years and I learn more today watching you.

Hi Mark and Bruno, Great job detailing disassembly and assembly of the model 12. Very well done explanations!!!

Great video. I never get tired of watching. Look forward to your next one.

Thank you, Mark, for this video. Years ago, my father gifted me his 16 gauge Model 1912, which was made between 1912 and 1920 when the "19" was dropped from the model designation. He told me that he had a gunsmith open the ejection port a bit to ease the process of clearing the chamber after firing. It ran great until the newfangled plastic shells took over the marketplace. I got by for a few years using paper shells branded "Polski Pawam." When that supply dried up, I did the easy thing and bought a 12 gauge side by side. Now, I'm retired and self-quarantined and I had a little spare time so I went as far as I could in assessing the problem and cleaning it up. The model 12, especially in 16 gauge, is an elegant shotgun even with the honest wear that Pop and I gave it over its lifetime. I dismantled to the limits of my ability and removed the old (really old) oil that had gummed up inside, spritzed the fire control unit and reassembled. I'm hopeful but my local range is closed and I haven''t been able to do a live fire test. Soon, I hope! I always enjoy your videos, but this one was more personal than most. I appreciate your work!

Dear Mark, Your videos are the absolute best! Thank you for your time and effort!

The Model 12 is my favorite pump shotgun shot one growing up. Thanks for another great video Mark.

i love watching your reposts mark. never gets old.

Simply love the expertise. Keep them coming

Hi Mark, I"m a new subscriber as I find your presentations to be informative, enlightening, and entertaining all at once. You do for gun the repair/restoration genre what Paul Harrell does for the shooting/evaluation arena. Kudos!

To show you my gunsmithing skills, *I sawed this shotgun in half!*

Great video Mark the Model 12 is my favorite pump shotgun got to hunt with one as I was growing up boy the memories. Very informative and explaining a lot of things about it. Thanks.

You are doing great work for Everyone. With many years of experience gunsmithing, I would have never thought to tell beginning Smith's that the gun will be taken apart and reassembled many times. I just thought that was a given. Excellent job! I do love the speed feature of my old Ithaca. Take Care and Thank You, John

This video made me realize how much care my family has taken of ours, my great grandfather had it first and it’s in near mint condition, if the serial number is to be believed it’s 102 years old

Brilliant. My father's favorite gun. Saw him do the takedown back in the 60's, promptly forgot about it. Dad and Model 12(s) all gone now. Seeing Mark do the 1/4 turn mag tube lock sent nostalgia chills up and down my spine. Gigantic smiles here in Colorado that will last a long time. Thanks to the whole crew.

Just want to say thanks for these videos. I thoroughly enjoy them and have learned quite a bit from you too. Thanks again.

Great video. Very informative. Thanks Mark and Bruno.

Wow very informative video Mr. Novak ! Thank you very much !

love watching you work! stay safe and keep up the good work.

The spring under the mag tube support is used to hold the slide forward when you take down the forend from the butt stock. This keeps the slide forward so you don't catch the action bar on the action.

crown royal xr and this channel at the end of the day pretty relaxing.

I subbed.this is amazing I'm so glad I found this channel. Finally a gun guy I can watch without cringing

Thank you so much for this vid. I just received a model 12 and had no idea how it worked or came apart. At least now I can take it apart and clean out the dried greese and dirt out.

You have no idea how much it warms my heart to know you have hell with the front end assembly too. These things have eaten my lunch and i always swear I'll never take one down to that level again if it works when I'm done.

Great video Mark! I have one of these in 16 ga., a 1948 and they are a pleasure to shoot! Lovely conservation!

I'm so glad that you made this video. I have a Hastings 12-guage that is essentially a Model 12 made under license. This video will be amazingly helpful when I have to get down into it. Thanks, guys!

Love your channel !!! I know some about firearms. And I can repair MOST of the ones I run across. However, your knowledge and ability make me look like a schoolboy in second grade!!! I always learn something, or more than something when I watch your channel. Fortunately, I’m not an Armorer, or Smith for a living. Great Channel!!!

your longer form vids cannot be beat. thank you for taking the time to make this.

Thanks Mark! I just re-blued and re-assembled a cherished family heirloom; i.e. 1925 model 12. Couldn't have done it without you. Thanks again!

Thanks a lot man. This is insight that's lost in old books for a lot of us. Truly appreciate the time.

I love your content. I can easily watch a 45 minute video about firearms i'll likely never own, and enjoy every minute.

Absolutely fantastic - my favorite “help”!! Thank you!!!!!

This is one of the best channels iv yet to find on youtube. I lovee cleaning old projects up when someone finds a family member ect. I even clean and do reservations on my close friends nightmares for free.

Wooooooooo! New video!

Thanks Mark, absolutely love the old model 12 my dad left me! Learned about the speed rock feature too!

Love the final comment..."these things are over built, built like a tank....if you gotta bang on something you've done something wrong". Fit and finish means the finish fits! As a old school toolmaker the most amazing thing I like about these old pieces (real wood and steel) is that they were not made on CNCs....the only thing close to qualified tooling was a well set stop, a keen eye and steady hands. Lots of good stuff pointed out in the video Mark.

I always give your videos a thumbs up before I watch it because I know it'll be great.

Been in the rabbit hole but never this far. Thanks so much for this.

My dad gave me a 1947 Model 12 in 1972, still use for clay pigeon, waterfowl, upland and deer sometimes. Have had to replace a few parts on it but it's my go to gun! Got two original Winchester take down and assembly manuals with hand drafted illustrations in pencil! Think they are available in reprints. Out of all the shotguns I've owned for hunting it's the only one that never let me down waterfowl hunting in the serious cold. Can double as a paddle too if needed. Kids bought me another one as a gift a 1937. My bother has an original model 1912 in nickel steel. Great video Mark, really enjoy your channel

Mark just makes me laugh (in a nice way and with him) all the way through! My wife - who by training is an engineer - was watching over my shoulder one day and the shocked look on her face was hilarious. I think she was mentally making a list entitled 'health & safety contraventions'! :D

Love your work. Thanks Mark.

Great video as usual Mark, Thank you.

Great job Mark. As always.

Thanks. An inspiration to keep on keeping on!!!

My Model 12 in 12ga was made in 1922 and was bought by my Grandfather new passed down to my father then to myself and I have just passed it to my youngest son to keep and use. I went thru it about 10 years ago to do a good cleaning and it was still like new . Love it and used it for many years to hunt . Great shotgun aand no better made!!

I love my Model 12; thanks for the video Mark.

Thank you Mark I learned a lot with this video

My next big project will be a model 12 conservation. It is from the 1950's and a gun I own. I will be carefully and lovingly taking it apart, cleaning and oiling. Will use boiled linseed oil on the wood. Not sure what I will find internally once I am in there. Thank you for the great video and all the great videos.

Model 12 super fan since 1972. Best pump shotgun ever made bar none.! The only Achilles Heel is the forend extension that contacts the bolt to lift it up. Nobody seems to know it should be greased judging by soooooo many extensions that are prematurly worn. Its also a bearcat to fix. I myself am guilty of improper lube for many years after getting my first one. Notice I say grease and not oil. Oil will not stay on the vertical surfaces very long so grease is needed. Other than that they are pretty much bulletproof UNLESS you get Bubba "fixing" to mess up stuff. My best purchase deals on M12's were caused by Bubba screwing stuff up, stuff that I could easily fix.

Great to see you work boss. Keep up the good fight.

Like and comment because mark and the anvil team rock, thank you guys. As always its an absolute pleasure to watch these ....

SUCH a great channel.

Love the high tech snarky comments! Great content.

Love the wooden dowel trick!! Thanks!

Thank you so much I really appreciate the info guys. Seeing it done is so much better than reading about it. Anyway man all the best from Northern California 👍

I have an old 1960 edition and one that is somewhere in the same era (can't really tell cause there are some missing pages) of your Brownells books and I have smeared oil and fingerprints all over both of them. But you can't find better diagrams. I really enjoyed your review of this old Model 12. I have my Grandfather's model 12 in 20guage and since he was a small man he used a youth model. Even so it has been completely refurbished and conserved. My Dad did the conservation before he died and I did the refurbishment. That was one of the most difficult shotguns for me I have to admit. It was my first model 12 to work on and I bet I had to take that damned gun apart at least 5 times before I got all of the new parts to fit right. But it runs like a brand new gun now. It will be passed to one of my grandchildren. Thanks, it is an honor for me to learn from you all the time. Even though I have been working on guns for a long time I don't have the knowledge that you have, but I did it part time when I was not working another full time job for the 40+ years. I'm 67 now and still like to work on them. Working on a Winchester Model 73 now in 32/20 caliber trying to refurb it and make it what it use to be or as close to what it was.

you good sire are a true gentleman. thank you for the wonderful video

Love the model 12. The 16 and 20 gauge swing good for me. Fairly light too!!!

Excellent video, you sir are a master gunsmith.

Now that's job satisfaction right there. Love all your vids, you're a lucky guy! Stay safe.

Nice. I enjoyed a few fun hours figuring out the reassembly by myself, and your advice, "don't force it", applies BIG TIME when you work on an unfamiliar gun. Some references are better than others.

I sure could have used this video 45 years ago when I tore my Model 12 Trapgun completely apart for the 1st time for a "good cleaning". 👍👍

Thank you for the stock and forend work. Very few seem to want to show that. I have a J.C. Higgins with Walnut same colors for both your parts where the stock is darker than the forend. Just FYI in a Higgins parts catalogue the forend is called a “forhand operating handle” - The stock broke at the front into multiple pieces. I think because of the way it was made with a concave front end and two part bolt with a convex end which put pressure on the wood to spread it out and cause failure. But that’s just my opinion as I can’t find anyone talking about it. For some reason they changed it to a flat front. Anyway, sanded the stock, epoxied it, oiled it. Looks great but the color is a little darker than I want. It looks the same as when I got it but the color shade is still darker than the forhand . (Trying to make the word comeback. Trying to decide how to lighten it but letting it sit for a bit and normalize..

My favoritest scattergun of all time...after the A5 both in Sweet 16.

I picked up a model 12 from 1919 recently. It has some wear and the blue has a few thin spots but it's immaculate for a 101 year old. It has a 28" solid ribbed barrel and it breaks down. The old blued guns have a look and feel that casts a spell. The 12 is an iconic firearm to hold one is to understand where all pumps shotguns came from. When I show people that it breaks down they all say WHOA!!

Awesome shotguns, I've two myself. One I inherited from Dad, the other some asshole cut the barrel off of, and it cried to me for help! Love them Model 12's. Thanks for sharing this video with us. Rev. D.

While 2020 continues to kick my hind parts, watching Mark soothes my soul. Thanks for taking my mind off of the horrible now.

Just got my old model 12 back from the gunsmith. The barrel wouldn't fit snugly and there was no more adjustment left to tighten it. Not sure what the gunsmith did to make it lock up correctly, but it works great now. The receiver on mine was made in 1923 and the barrel was was made in 1942. I bought it completely disassembled in a basket of junk in 1983 at a garage sale in Oklahoma for $5. Didn't even know the gun was in there with the rest of the junk until I got home.. The parts were all there except for the ejector, shell stop, butt plate and stock screw. Replacement parts were easily obtained and the gun was reassembled. It looks like a real beater because almost all of the bluing is long gone and the stock is beat up, but it shoots straight and functions perfectly. It has a very tight fixed full choke in a 31" nickel steel barrel. I use it mostly at the local turkey shoots in the fall and it has served me very well. Occasionally it accompanies me and the Browning 725 to the local gun range for a few rounds of trap. There's something special about a gun that was discarded and written off for junk and then brought back to life by your own hands.. It's one of my most prized shotguns and I'll hand it down to my son when the time comes.