How do you breakdown a Winchester model 12?

Answer 1

First, you need to push the pin at the end of the magazine away from the barrel (it starts with the long end up and facing the barrel, it ends down and away). I hope that makes sense.

Now, using that pin as leverage, twist the magazine 1/4-ish turn in the only direction it will move 1/4 turn.

Now, pull the magazine tube away from the receiver.

Pull the slide away from the receiver. This will remove the slide action from the seam between the receiver and barrel assembly.

Now, holding the receiver with one hand and the barrel/slide assembly with the other, twist 1/4 turn and pull apart.

It should break apart at this point without much effort.

Assembly is pretty much the reverse. Just be sure that there is nothing in the way (slide bar, magazine tube, etc) to prevent re-assembly. It would be bad to damage any of these components. On the same token, don't force anything. If it doesn't move the way you want it to with a reasonable amount of effort, try something else. That's how I figured it out.

I hope this answers your question.

David