WoW, a Dounut Post Model 50, don't see those very often or even at all these days. Glad it made its way out of the back of the safe.

 

My Dad bought this in 1953 and gave me his 1926 Nickel Steel Model 12. The Model 50 probably has less than 1000 rounds fired and it is Not for sale: It started life as a field gun
and the Full Choke barrel measures 29" from muzzle to receiver. The ventilated rib also has donut posts. I laminated a block of walnut to the comb so it fits me just right.

 

Looks like you did a stellar job, Mike, with that piece of walnut you grafted to the comb.

 

I have a nice Model 50 trap gun in my trap rotation. Heavy gun (due to its inertia innards), but a nice shooting, reliable piece. My guess is that it wasn’t more successful due to its weight and the marginally complicated method of adjusting the action.

“True” Model 50 trap guns had a special floating chamber with a “nub” built into it that deflected empties to the shooters feet. My chamber must be a replacement since it isn’t made that way - and I’ve looked but never found one of those trap chambers for sale. I put one of those wire bail shell catchers on mine.

Just went and looked at mine - rectangular VR posts.

 

I just had my model 50 out this week looking it over. Its the light model with the aluminum reciever that pre dates the model 59. Mine to is 28 inch modified but has a Simmons rib. Wolf still makes a recoil spring for it and the 59 and it's not a bad idea to replace it. That spring is 65 to 70 years old.

 

Good idea Smitty! I know that the old recoil and action springs on all my Belgium A5's and Rem 11's had all become just a little bit shorter through the years, so I replaced them with new ones. The difference in felt recoil "after" the spring changes made it worth every single penny!
But on the Mod 50 ... do you recall the spring change process being especially tricky? Apparently, if not done correctly the "timing" of the action becomes thrown off in some way? I'd probably better consult YouTube before I dive into that.

 

“Winchester Model 50 bolt timing adjustment
Check gun is empty
Close the bolt.
Remove butt-pad
Remove wishbone wire clip
With bolt closed, back off aluminum,screw plug with large slot, until the bolt will not stay locked in the open position.
When you get to that point, reverse the process screwing it in till the bolt locks back.

Place your finger on the operating handle and pull back and see how far the bolt will travel to the rear from that locked position.

By adjusting the aluminum plug 1/4 turn at a time till the bolt locks and you have approximately 1/16"-1/8" inch of rear bolt travel from the locked position. Sometimes you can hit the mark on the first try. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to get it right. When re-inserting the wire clip, make sure it goes into the set of holes in line with the slotted plug closest to the adjustment."

make sure the stock is secure but not over tightened. Its tightened by the large aluminum housing that holds the action spring. Make sure the stock is just snug FIRST! Do not over tighten! Then make the above adjustments!! Then your gun is properly timed and should last for quite some time, watch for the hulls being thrown a farther distance, a sure sign it needs timed!

Do not file off the ejector! I've seen some closet gunsmiths that suggest this as a fix but it's a death knell for both these guns!!“

 

Mike, thank you so much for this!! It's much appreciated!
Your step-by-step instructions here make it sound like an easier operation than what I was actually anticipating. I can do this!
mark

 

A friend of mine who passed two years ago had one in a 20ga. I would have loved to have it but what happened with his estate I've no idea? I shot it a few times in my teen years. It was a real solid built gun. I've often heard them referred to as the Model 12 of the semi world.

 

Always had a soft spot for the Model 50s. They don’t get near the credit they deserve. Heavy compared to today’s autos, sure, but that weight really soaks up recoil.

 

I have a mint Model 50 20ga WS-1

 

Hmmm , so those of you with 20ga Mod 50's ... would you estimate the weight of those to be under 7lbs?

 

The instructions for setting the timing on the Model 50 originally came from the late Gene Hapney (Hap Mec Tweaks).

 

Anyone have a montecarlo stock for a 12ga. mod. 50?

 

Mod 50s are the great gun , i have several of the them from trap guns to 20ga upland configurations that i have killed (and missed) many woodcock!
Even had Simmons gun build a custom 20ga about 10 years ago.
Love ‘em till its time to reassemble after a thorough cleaning!

 

Mod 50s are the great gun , i have several of the them from trap guns to 20ga upland configurations that i have killed (and missed) many woodcock!
Even had Simmons gun build a custom 20ga about 10 years ago.
Love ‘em till its time to reassemble after a thorough cleaning!

 

Mod 50s are the great gun , i have several of the them from trap guns to 20ga upland configurations that i have killed (and missed) many woodcock!
Even had Simmons gun build a custom 20ga about 10 years ago.
Love ‘em till its time to reassemble after a thorough cleaning!

 

I hunted with a 20ga Skeet model (if memory serves) for a full season in Mexico back in the 90s. Killed a LOT of dove. Floating chamber was a PITA to clean dissemble/reassemble. It went down the road. Nice gun but I don't miss it much. Prefer my doubles. YMMV.