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Winchester Model 1200

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Winchester Model 1200
Winchester Model 1200 Defender
TypePump-action shotgun
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service1968-1969
Used bySee Users
WarsVietnam War
Production history
DesignerT. C. Johnson
Designed1964
ManufacturerWinchester
Produced1965
VariantsModel 1200 Defender
Specifications
Mass6.5 lb (2.9 kg)
Caliber12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge
ActionPump-action
Feed systemTwo-six shell tubular magazine
SightsMuzzle-mounted bead sight

The Model 1200 and Model 1300 were two American pump-action shotguns that were manufactured by the Winchester-Western Division of Olin Corporation. It was produced in 12-, 16- and 20-gauge. The 1200 has the ability to have a bayonet fixed on the end of the barrel to be used in close quarter combat. It is a takedown type shotgun which means it has the capability of being taken apart for easy transportation and storage.[1]

History

The Winchester Model 1200 was introduced in 1964 as a low-cost replacement for the venerable Model 12.[2] A small number of them were acquired by the United States Army in 1968 and 1969 along with Model 1400s.[3] Even though the Model 1200's service in the military was brief, the Army had orders for what to do with the shotgun in case the weapon may fall into enemy hands. If the weapon were in danger of falling into the enemy's hands, the shotgun was to be destroyed under the discretion of the Commander who is placed in this position.[4] If it were deemed necessary to destroy the weapon, the destruction must have been done in such a manner which rendered the Model 1200 useless in combat and also to be purged for parts.[4] The major parts of the shotgun which must be destroyed are the receiver and magazine group, the barrel assembly and bayonet assembly, the breech bolt group and the trigger guard group.[4] The military style Model 1200 was essentially the same weapon as the civilian version, except it had a ventilated hand guard, sling swivels, and a bayonet lug.[3] The Model 1200 was succeeded by the Winchester Model 1300 in 1983 when U.S. Repeating Arms Company became the manufacturer of Winchester firearms.[1] Production of the Model 1300 ceased in 2006, when USRAC went bankrupt.[5]

Description

The Winchester Model 1200 is a 20-inch 12-gauge manually operated, slide action shotgun. The slide action, also known as a pump-action, means that the shotgun has a moving bolt system which is operated by a "wooden or composite slide called the fore-end".[6] The fore-end is located on the underside of the barrel and moves front to back. The weapon can hold a maximum of five rounds total with four in the tubular magazine and one in the chamber. It has a hammerless action which means that there is no external hammer spur. There is only a firing pin which strikes the primer on the shell to ignite the powder in the round. The Model 1200 is a takedown type of shotgun; meaning that it can be taken apart for easy storage and transportation.[4]

The Model 1200 was the first shotgun to utilize a rotary bolt with four locking lugs which are secured within the barrel extension. This design was to neutralize any stress on the chamber caused by firing. The 1200 was Winchester's first shotgun to incorporate the company's patented Winchoke system, a quick change tube to allow the easy replacement of chokes.[1]

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning and keeping up regular maintenance on the shotgun is vital to ensuring proper function and preventing rust on the weapon. The barrel and action should be cleaned after the shotgun has been exposed to rain, snow, salt spray or after having rounds been discharged from it.[7] It is crucial to make sure all dirt and other material is removed which should not be there because if it remains, the shotgun can malfunction upon firing. The shotgun should have a light coat of oil placed on the bore, barrel extension, and external surfaces of the shotgun using appropriate gun oil to ensure that the shotgun does not rust and also acts as a lubricant. Wooden parts need to be wiped with a cloth that is slightly oiled to protect the wood and wipe off any extremities which should not be there.[4]

Bayonet

A bayonet could be attached to the front end of the barrel of the Military version of the Model 1200. The primary uses of the bayonet on the model 1200 are for close combat, guarding prisoners, and riot duty.[4] The most commonly used bayonet with the Model 1200 was the M-1917 bayonet. After World War I ended, there was a large surplus of the M-1917 bayonets because the Army decided to keep the M-1903 Springfield as the standard issued rifle. The M-1917 bayonet did not fit the Springfield rifles so instead of just getting rid of them the Army decided to make them compatible with combat shotguns such as the Model 1200.[8]

Variants

  • Model 1200: Standard capacity model with four-shell tubular magazine
  • Model 1200 Defender: Increased capacity model with seven-shell tubular magazine
  • Ted Williams Model 200: Standard Model 1200 marketed by Sears
  • Model 1300: Slightly updated version with five-shell tubular magazine
  • Model 1300 Defender: Increased capacity variants of the Model 1300 with a six-shell tubular magazine
  • Various Model 1300 variants[9]
  • Model 2200: Model 1200 with full length stock and barrel, produced for the Canadian firearms market.

Users

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Wilson, R. L. (2008). Winchester: An American Legend. Book Sales, Inc. pp. 223–265. ISBN 978-0785818939. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "Winchester Repeating". olive-drab.com. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
  3. ^ a b "WINCHESTER 1200 SHOTGUN". Olive-drab.com. 2008-05-22. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Winchester Model 1200 Riot Shotgun Manual". Scribd.com. 1970-03-11. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
  5. ^ Out With A Bang: The Loss of the Classic Winchester Is Loaded With Symbolism, Washington Post, January 21, 2006
  6. ^ "How Shotguns Work". HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
  7. ^ "Instructions for your Winchester Model 1200 Slide Action Shotgun" (PDF). Winchester Western. Retrieved 2010-03-18. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Page= ignored (|page= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "M-1917 BAYONET". Olive-drab.com. 2008-05-22. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
  9. ^ Winchester Rifles & Shotguns --- Model 1300 Line
  10. ^ "zbrane.indd" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-04-16.

Works Cited

Brief History about the Model 1200
Brief History about the M-1917 Bayonet
Military manual about the model 1200
Instructions for the operation and maintenance of the Winchester Model 1200 shotgun

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Winchester_Model_1200&oldid=357212866"