12A production date & tips

[jwb]

Newbie here,
Just inherited a model 12a with s/n 278927. From lurking this forum, I figure this to be a 1914 production date? Can anyone confirm? Also, I noticed a few comments about using standard ammo (not high velocity/magnum) as this may damage the rifle? Can anyone confirm this and suggest current ammo that is okay to use? This rifle holds sentimental value to me and I want to clean it up(I'm sure it works fine), but any tips you can provide will be great.

Thanks,

[John Gyde]

According to Rem records 1914 is correct. Standard velocity ammo is all that was available when your rifle was made. The Model 121 was introduced in 1936. It had the breechblock "beefed up" to handle the new (at the time) hi-velocity (= higher pressures) ammo. Many hi-vel; rounds have been fired in M/12s but it just isn't a good idea...

Standard velocity ammo is available at most sporting goods stores. It might cost a bit more but you should feel better shooting the ammo for which the gun was intended...

[jwb]

Thanks for the feedback John. I figured you'd be one who could confirm the production date. Thanks for the ammo info, too. Every box of ammo I have in the house says "high velocity" and I wasn't sure it would be okay. Guess I'm going to check the local stores for "standard" stuff. A few bucks extra will be well worth it in terms of preserving the firearm for me and the kids....mostly the kids.

Thanks again,