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The Winchester Models 1200, 120, 1300, 1400, 140, 1500 (and the 2200 and 2400 family of shotguns were made between 1964 and 2006. I started a survey in 2009 and in 2017 listed it for with the WACA Collector “Wanted”, and am pleased to say I have a few loose ends to wrap up, before a trip to Cody next year and publication. There are many variants on each gun and I have good photos for most, but if you would like to send me good photos of any particular gun you own for display please contact me at [email protected] before sending photos. I am particularly after the Model 1300 Cantilever gun details, as they are rare.
I have a Model 1400 RIOT gun but have only seen one other, and both in Australia. Did anyone in the USA get these guns?
I have a featured guns chapter and will cover WCT guns, the CoCa Cola Model 1500, Ducks Unlimited, White Tails Unlimited, Other Presentation Guns and numerous others. I have written to many organizations in the USA about these guns but not had any success. Apart from photos I would like details about the reason for the presentation guns etc.
I will start a couple of other posts but I am happy to respond to any post about any of these guns
I have some information (survey) for the Model 120 if you are interested.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert, I have added your data to the database.
I mentioned earlier that I have a Model 1400 RIOT gun # N921486 with an 18 inch barrel, but I also have a Model 1200 RIOT Gun # L1277337, made in 1981, which has an 18 inch barrel – very much like the early RIOT guns.
I have every Winchester/USRAC firearms catalog and almost every Winchester/USRAC dealers catalog from 1960 to 2006, and can state unequivically that Winchester made 18, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 inch barrels but never advertised a 20 inch batrrel. I would love someone to prove me wrong! They also did not advertise the Model 1400 RIOT gun but barrels were listed in the 1981 Firearms Component Parts Catalogs.
I am at a loss to understand where Winchester Australia sourced 20 inch barrels for the model 1200 and 1400 shotguns they advertised in the attachment “1977 ASJ-August P18 Pig Shooting with M1200 or M1400” (ASJ = Australian Shooters Journal), They advertise “We’ve done big things with the Winchester Model 1200 pump and the Model 1400 Semi Auto. Choose either 18” or 20” barrels in the Model 1200 – or a 20” barrel in the Model 1400” hence my query where did they come from? Has anyone else ever seen these barrels and if so what was the barrel designation. I have a few records of the Model 1200 RIOT with 20 inch barrels from Australia from this period, but none from the USA or other countries. These barrels have a front bead sight, and were advertised for a few years.
The next issue came in “1990 ASJ-December P44- Win Adv Scrub Gun” (which I cannot upload) where not only was the Model 1300 offered with a 20 inch Rifle Sighted barrel, but the capacity was listed at 8 shots. In 1989 Winchester offered the DEER gun as a 22″ Smooth bore barrel, and in 1990 both smooth and rifled barrels 22″ long were offered- So where did Winchester Australia get the 20 inch barrels. I would be pleased if anyone can shed light on this. Winchester Australia has been approached but they say they have no records.
Just an update on my Winchester Book
1. I have finished a chapter on the Coca-Cola guns referred to in the first post, and sorted out their originator
2. I am presently writing the chapter on the WCT guns referred to in the first post, and am seeking information on the Winchester Franchise Public Shooting Centre Program 1960s-1970s. I will acknowledge anyone who provides data that is used.
3. I have collected data in the Model 1200 and Model 1400 RIOT guns referred to in the first post, and written an article on the 20 inch barrelled guns found only in Australia, soon to be published in the Australian Shooters Journal. Has anyone in the USA ever seen these 20 inch barrelled guns?
4. Using my database of Model 1400 shotguns collected over the years I am able to place any Model 1400 shotgun to the year of manufacture from 1964 to 1994 with a maximum error of 2000 serial numbers. I am still refining my serial number base and invite members with the Model 1400 or the Model 140 to send me a set of photos and invite me to place your year of manufacture. The photos MUST include Left and Right views, Barrel Address, Serial Number, Butt Plate, Pistol Grip Cap, Breech closed and Underside to show at least the Metalwork Photos preferably should be sharp and high density.
5. My database of Model 1200, 120 and 1300 shotguns collected over the years is not as intensive as I would like and whilst I have high confidence in the year end serial number from 1964 to 1969, I need more data especially for 1970 and 1971- that is serial numbers up to #L739616, and again I invite members to send me photos for evaluation. The problem with collecting this data has been that the serial numbers are often not disclosed when guns are sold. I have partially sorted serial numbers past 1992, ie over # L2599826 and would give my best estimate for any serial number gun sent to me.
winchester nix said
Just an update on my Winchester Book1. I have finished a chapter on the Coca-Cola guns referred to in the first post, and sorted out their originator
2. I am presently writing the chapter on the WCT guns referred to in the first post, and am seeking information on the Winchester Franchise Public Shooting Centre Program 1960s-1970s. I will acknowledge anyone who provides data that is used.
3. I have collected data in the Model 1200 and Model 1400 RIOT guns referred to in the first post, and written an article on the 20 inch barrelled guns found only in Australia, soon to be published in the Australian Shooters Journal. Has anyone in the USA ever seen these 20 inch barrelled guns?
4. Using my database of Model 1400 shotguns collected over the years I am able to place any Model 1400 shotgun to the year of manufacture from 1964 to 1994 with a maximum error of 2000 serial numbers. I am still refining my serial number base and invite members with the Model 1400 or the Model 140 to send me a set of photos and invite me to place your year of manufacture. The photos MUST include Left and Right views, Barrel Address, Serial Number, Butt Plate, Pistol Grip Cap, Breech closed and Underside to show at least the Metalwork Photos preferably should be sharp and high density.
5. My database of Model 1200, 120 and 1300 shotguns collected over the years is not as intensive as I would like and whilst I have high confidence in the year end serial number from 1964 to 1969, I need more data especially for 1970 and 1971- that is serial numbers up to #L739616, and again I invite members to send me photos for evaluation. The problem with collecting this data has been that the serial numbers are often not disclosed when guns are sold. I have partially sorted serial numbers past 1992, ie over # L2599826 and would give my best estimate for any serial number gun sent to me.
I’m not 100% sure what info you’d like but I have a 1200 with SN L612422. Tell what you’d like to know about it.
Dave
Edit: Tell me what you like to know and I’ll share it with you here.
Dave
Well Dave
I can guarantee that # L612422 is a 1970 manufacture. In fact its serial number was applied on April 13th 1970, and it probably left the finished line six to eight weeks later. I cannot tell you its Gauge for sure, but I suspect it is 12 Gauge, but not a Magnum, and it is not a left handed model, but thats all I can tell you, just from the Serial number.
If it was purchased new, perhaps you can advise when it was purchased (for the benefit of the readers).
But I would like to know the following:
Barrel Type (Plain or VR), Choke (F, M, IC, Skeet or Winchoke) and Length, and the Barrel Address (which occasionally changes)
Stock Checkering Pattern, and But Plate or Recoil Pad and type, writing (and if Hydrocoil); Forearm Checkering pattern (and if Hydrocoil)
I can get all the data I need to get the Factory Code Number for a gun except all the barrel data from appropriate photos (about 9 are required as listed in Post 4) and if the quality and interest are there I could use them in the publication. The Model 1200 was made in over 80 different types, Factory Code G120003 being the most common – 28 inch Plain Modified Choke Barrel, differing only slightly in appearance and features from 1964 to the end of production.
A full description of Factory Code G120077 (introduced in 1966) Model 1200 Magnum Field Gun 20 Ga, 3″ Shell 28″VR FC Bl MBF Sights, XX F’end, Walnut Stock Tailed Checkering, Fluted Comb, Black Pistol Grip Cap, Red Recoil Pad, again differing only slightly in appearance and features to the end of production.
Basically I am looking for the first and last serial number of guns with known descriptors and years of production to sort out the last serial number for a year. At the moment, I am looking for serial numbered guns to pick the 70/71 and 71/72 change # number, and the photos, in conjunction with the Stamping Records I have, assist me in doing that (as I apply the Factory Code to each record).
Happy to have photos sent as email (listed elsewhere in Forum)
Keith
winchester nix said
Well DaveI can guarantee that # L612422 is a 1970 manufacture. In fact its serial number was applied on April 13th 1970, and it probably left the finished line six to eight weeks later. I cannot tell you its Gauge for sure, but I suspect it is 12 Gauge, but not a Magnum, and it is not a left handed model, but thats all I can tell you, just from the Serial number.
If it was purchased new, perhaps you can advise when it was purchased (for the benefit of the readers).
But I would like to know the following:
Barrel Type (Plain or VR), Choke (F, M, IC, Skeet or Winchoke) and Length, and the Barrel Address (which occasionally changes)
Stock Checkering Pattern, and But Plate or Recoil Pad and type, writing (and if Hydrocoil); Forearm Checkering pattern (and if Hydrocoil)
I can get all the data I need to get the Factory Code Number for a gun except all the barrel data from appropriate photos (about 9 are required as listed in Post 4) and if the quality and interest are there I could use them in the publication. The Model 1200 was made in over 80 different types, Factory Code G120003 being the most common – 28 inch Plain Modified Choke Barrel, differing only slightly in appearance and features from 1964 to the end of production.
A full description of Factory Code G120077 (introduced in 1966) Model 1200 Magnum Field Gun 20 Ga, 3″ Shell 28″VR FC Bl MBF Sights, XX F’end, Walnut Stock Tailed Checkering, Fluted Comb, Black Pistol Grip Cap, Red Recoil Pad, again differing only slightly in appearance and features to the end of production.
Basically I am looking for the first and last serial number of guns with known descriptors and years of production to sort out the last serial number for a year. At the moment, I am looking for serial numbered guns to pick the 70/71 and 71/72 change # number, and the photos, in conjunction with the Stamping Records I have, assist me in doing that (as I apply the Factory Code to each record).
Happy to have photos sent as email (listed elsewhere in Forum)
Keith
Keith, I think I have what you need. I’ve taken pictures for you. I’m not certain where to find your email on this forum… I’m new here, sorry. Here are a few pics. The barrel is 29 1/2 at the receiver and approximately 28 7/8 to the forward edge of the taper. 
Thankd Dave.
I am pleased to say you have an excellent example of the Model 1200 Trap in 12 Gauge with a Monte Carlo stock. This model was Factory No G120036 and was made from 1966 to 1973, with occasional changes to the woodwork and recoil pad, which has Fleur de Lys Checkering on the stock and forearm.
The photos are excellent and high density and I could use some in my book but to use all they need to be on a plain background – eg in front of a plain wall is excellent – If possible I would like a photo of the Pistol Grip Cap which you could send with ancilliary photos to [email protected] . I have saved your photos as “# L612422 Model 1200 MC Trap12 Ga 30 In VR FULL Bl WACA Motocop-” – If I use them would you prefer to acknowledge your name instead of Motocop?
In my Database I have photos of the following: # L610037# L610401, # L612422, # L612739, # L612881 and # L613065. Your # fills a gap. Thank You
Keith
winchester nix said
Thankd Dave.I am pleased to say you have an excellent example of the Model 1200 Trap in 12 Gauge with a Monte Carlo stock. This model was Factory No G120036 and was made from 1966 to 1973, with occasional changes to the woodwork and recoil pad, which has Fleur de Lys Checkering on the stock and forearm.
The photos are excellent and high density and I could use some in my book but to use all they need to be on a plain background – eg in front of a plain wall is excellent – If possible I would like a photo of the Pistol Grip Cap which you could send with ancilliary photos to [email protected] . I have saved your photos as “# L612422 Model 1200 MC Trap12 Ga 30 In VR FULL Bl WACA Motocop-” – If I use them would you prefer to acknowledge your name instead of Motocop?
In my Database I have photos of the following: # L610037# L610401, # L612422, # L612739, # L612881 and # L613065. Your # fills a gap. Thank You
Keith
Keith,
I am glad this helps you some in what you’re doing with the 1200 research. This is very interesting to me as most of this information I would have never known if not for your research work. I have an idea of how to get you the pictures you’d like with a plain background. You are certainly welcome to use whatever pictures you’d like for your work. You may use my name rather than the silly forum name. I will do my best to email those pictures etc. to you in the next day or two.
Here’s a quick back story on the gun. This particular shotgun is special to me because it belonged to my father. We sadly lost him in 2018. He enjoyed shooting clays in the 70’s and 80’s and I know he was very fond of this Winchester. I don’t believe he bought it new but I know I have the receipt in a box somewhere….I’ll have to dig it out to satisfy my own curiosity. It is interesting to know that based on the manufacturing dates you provided here this shotgun and I are almost exactly the same age …. the Winchester is definitely aging more gracefully. I’ll be emailing you soon, Keith. Thanks you!
Dave
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