Remington model 12C serial numbered parts

[cryptomon]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and am seeking information on a Remington 12C that I just purchased. It is in the 59XXXX serial number range which puts it in the 1920 to 1921 time frame. I suspect it is late 1920 as it has no date codes on the barrel.

My first question is about the serial numbered parts. The receiver and trigger group are matching but the stock and butt plate have a different matching number. Is this normal or does it mean that someone replaced the butt stock with one from another rifle?

Also, I am having difficulties disassembling the rifle. I cannot get the outer magazine tube to un-screw from the action bar. It is difficult to get leverage on the tube where it is so close to the barrel and I don't want to force it and bend any of the thin metal. Is this usually difficult or has someone had it off in the past and maybe overtightened or worse cross threaded it when they put it back in? From disassembly videos that I have watched it seems come out fairly easily. Any tricks or advice would be appreciated. I could leave it assembled but I want to clean under the barrel.

Thanks in advance for taking time to read and sending me any thought or advice.

Scott

[nambujim]

There are a lot more qualified than I to answer your questions but its normal for the stock & butt plate to have one set of serials and the upper/lower receiver to have another set. Some "special order" rifles might have had matching serials and most Model 121's will have all matching serials.

Yeah, taking these apart can be a challenge, the oil back then turns to varnish and essentially glues the parts together. Can only suggest at this point you put some Kroil on the area and leave it overnight, that stuff is magic for loosening up threads.

Good luck!

Jim Peterson
Charlotte, NC

[Mainspring]

I cannot get the outer magazine tube to un-screw from the action bar. It is difficult to get leverage on the tube where it is so close to the barrel ...

You are trying to disassemble this part too soon. The rest of the receiver needs to be disassembled first. Once the Action Bar and outer magazine tube are removed from the receiver you can begin disassembly. There is a magazine screw in the action bar that prevents the outer magazine tube from coming loose, this screw needs removed before unscrewing the mag tube or damage will occur.