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January 28, 2013
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Many of you know I am writing a book on the Winchester Model 1200 shotgun (and others), and I have just completed a chapter on the Model 1200 TRENCH GUNS, which I started collecting examples of since 2013. With the models named in Bruce Canfield’s book (38) and in collaboration with two WACA Winchester Military Arms collectors, I have reviewed 101 records dating from 1965 to 1978, some of these are genuine Vietnam Era guns, the early guns from 1965 I have attributed to Winchester prototypes, and I am not making any comment on post 1969 series guns (# L572000) of which I have three examples.
As a matter of interest, I have 9 examples from 1965 and 1966, a few advising they were Replicas, 2 from 1967 (including one Replica) 30 from 1968 excluding Canfields 38 examples which cover 1968 and 1969), 9 from 1969, and of course 3 from 1971 to 1978.
The actual Vietnam Trench Guns were ordered from the army in four orders, one of 1500 and three of 5000, the last batch being started in December 1969 and delivered in early 1970. From the illustrations and the Serial Number stamping dates I have I have identified the serial number ranges to within a few hundred serial numbers, and as I acquire more serial numbers of Model 1200 guns I will further narrow this down. I have carried out a study of serial numbers and where shown the US stamping and attach four montages of serial numbers which were enlarged to full screen to measure the heights and distances shown in photos (continued below):
Basically all of the guns had the same size Serial Number height (1/8″) and were placed 0,5 inches above the Loading Gate. The height of the US was the same as the Serial Number, and the same distance above the Loading Gate for all of the true Vietnam Guns. It is certain that the US was added by Winchester as it would have been in the Contract. In all other cases the recipient, whether the Army or a civillian, added the US Stamp which varied in letter height and distance.
I am sure that many of the 1965 and 1966 guns are Prototypes made by winchester and issued to army establishments under “- a military shotgun development program instituted by Winchester in 1965”, (Swearengen, P220), so it would not be unreasonable for Winchester to make Prototypes and to issue them to Military units for review. This is especially when “Later in the year, Winchester personnel went to Vietnam to demonstrate the Liberator counter-insurgency shotguns. During the demonstrations, these representatives came into contact with individuals who were quite knowledgeable in fighting shotguns and their role in jungle combat. The desired fighting shotgun characteristics that these men relayed were carefully noted by the Winchester people.” (Swearengen, P220). However, there is nothing in Swearengen’s writings to suggest that Riot Guns with either 18 inch or 20 inch barrels were not being made as Prototypes for the Military forces to review. I would like more definite proof, and would apprciate anyone who may have such proof.
Late 1967 and early 1968 Trench Guns likewise possibly were also Prototypes, as Swearengen (Page 225) states: “Although the US military ultimately purchased the Model 1200 Trench Gun, it was the AirForce that initially requested Models to test in Autumn 1967, and this allowed Winchester to submit standard, commercial-grade riot guns for consideration.. Four identical Model 1200 slide-action riot guns with 18 inch barrels, a standard commercial finish both on the wood and on the metal, were delivered for the Air Force tests. As well the stocks had recoil pads, and forearms had impressed checkering for 1967. ” Again, I would like more definite proof, and would apprciate anyone who may have such proof.
I am seeking anyone who owns a Model 1200 Trench Gun to contact me and send photos (either uploaded, as a personal message, or by email to [email protected]) with provenance if possible, and I will advise the date the serial number was stamped, and whether I consider it to be one of the Vietnam Trench Guns or a Winchester Prototype or a Replica, and say why.
As well I am particularly interested in receiving photos of Model 1200 guns in the #382500 to # L572000 which I can add to my database and more closely define the serial number ranges for the true Vietnam guns and the Prototypes. In return I will reply to all with documentation of the serial number stamping date for the gun supplied.
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