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I recently bought a Model 12 Winchester in 16 gauge. It was made in 1926 and has a nickel steel barrel. Chamber length is not marked on the barrel which is 25 inches and marked Modified. The Winchester handbook states that 16 gauges prior to 1927 had 2 9/16 inch chambers and later ones had 2 3/4 inch chambers. I have two questions. Can modern shells be used in this gun and can the Nickel Steel guns be reblued successfully?

Yes on the reblue, do not cold blue it though. I have seen several of these take on streaks and nothing else. The chamber should be the 2 9/16 and you will need to shoot shorter shells in it. I have one made in 1915 and shoot the shells from KENT GAMEBORE 2 1/2 inch shells. They come in a 2 1/2 inch plastic and crimped hull. The ejection port on your shotgun wont eject the longer 2 3/4 inch shells.

I was afraid of that. Thank you very much

Depending on the gunstores in your area, you could get those Kent Shells for as little as $7 a box which is what I am paying around here. Not bad when you consider a standard box at Walmart is running $4.50 or more. If you reload you can also make your own by cutting down the original hull and playing with fiber wads or cutting down the Remington Wad. The Kent shells use fiber wads but a plastic hull, which is also perfect for reloading. I have talked to a couple gunsmiths just to find out about opening it up to take the standard shells 2 3/4 shells. The problem isnt reaming the chamber out to accept the shells, its that the ejection port is shorter and they wont eject and some have tolerances tight enough to not feed the longer shells reliably. The 2 1/2 function fine in mine and they pattern well. They are a 1 oz load and I have shot the 6 and 7 shot loads with satisfying results.

If you have trouble finding shells locally this is one source
http://www.woodcockhill.com/Cartridges.htm
Congratulations on your find, good small gauge Model 12s get harder to find all the time.

Thanks. I just ordered a case as you suggested. I might as well try this one out before I decide what to do with it.

This guy is supposed to be the best at refinishing Model 12s
http://www.andyscustomshop.net
He is not cheap, but he comes well recommended. His work was featured on the "Shotgun Journal" TV show.

Jimc,
Several of the guys I shoot with buy shells from Westley Richards . They are a bit cheaper than the link posted above, and the guys swear the hulls are great for reloading.

Thanks I will check them out.

It can be converted to shoot 2 3/4" shells

You can ream the chamber but the early model 12's had a smaller ejection port. You would have to ream that too..Wouldn't be worth the effort.