WINCHESTER MODEL 1200
Posted May 19, 2023
Winchester Model 1200
The most iconic pump-action shotgun ever created is the Winchester Model 1200. It was first introduced in 1964 and has become a classic for those hunting the great outdoors or looking for a reliable home-defense shotgun. It's a gun that’s been around for decades and has proven itself time and time again. It has been a reliable workhorse of a shotgun and has a long history of performance and reliability.
Out of the Box
Right out of the box, the Winchester Model 1200 looks and feels like a quality firearm. The bluing is dark and rich, and the entire gun just looks solid and well-constructed. It has a great classic feeling to it, and you can definitely tell it’s an old-school gun.
The Winchester Model 1200 comes with a fixed choke that can’t be changed and a magazine tube capable of holding two shells. It also has an exposed hammer, which can be a bit of a pain for left-handed shooters, as they’ll have to reach across the firing pin to cock the gun.
The forend of the gun is checkered to provide a nice grippable surface, and the buttstock has a recoil pad to make shooting the gun a bit easier.
The Winchester Model 1200 is an American-made shotgun, so quality is never an issue. All the parts are well-made and everything fits together like a glove.
The Action
The Winchester Model 1200 is a pump-action shotgun, meaning the user has to manually cycle the action in order to chamber the next round. The action is incredibly smooth and effortless, and after a few trips to the range you’ll be able to cycle the action without even thinking about it.
The safety is the cross-bolt style, which is fairly intuitive and easy to use. It’s located on the trigger guard and can be easily accessed even with gloved hands.
The trigger is heavy but has a good “crisp” feel to it, and it breaks cleanly and consistently.
Range Performance
The Winchester Model 1200 is a workhorse of a shotgun—it’s designed for hard use and performs well in the field and at the range.
The gun is incredibly reliable and will cycle almost any type of shell you feed it. It’s a good balanced gun, so it handles well and the recoil isn’t too bad. Experimenting with different chokes and loads will help you find the sweet spot for whatever shots you’re taking.
The gun is also accurate and it’s easy to get tight groups at even long ranges. Of course, you will want to experiment with different loads to see what works best for you, and maybe even consider an aftermarket choke for more precise shots.
The Bottom Line
The Winchester Model 1200 is a classic shotgun. It’s been proven reliable and dependable over the years, and it will continue to be a favorite among hunters and black powder enthusiasts. The gun is easy to use, easy to maintain, and performs well in the field and at the range. The buttstock and forend provide a comfortable grip, the action is smooth and reliable, and the trigger is heavy but breaks cleanly.
Overall, the Winchester Model 1200 is a great shotgun for almost any purpose. Whether you’re looking for a reliable home-defense weapon or a trusty hunting gun, the Model 1200 is a sure bet. It’s a classic American shotgun that has stood the test of time—the Winchester Model 1200 is truly a workhorse of a shotgun and it will not disappoint.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Inexpensive starter gun, reliable and easy to maintain
-Versatile design works well for hunting wildfowl and upland birds
-The pump-action provide fast follow-up shots
-The interchangeable choke system offers effective shots at longer ranges
Cons:
-May be too long and clunky for younger shooters
-Heavy recoil can be uncomfortable
-Magazine capacity is limited to four rounds for 12-gauge and three rounds for 20-gauge models
-Non-ventilated rib on barrel (not suited for slug shooting)
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally allowed to own a shotgun should consider buying a Winchester Model 1200. Those who are new to gun ownership and/or who don't have the necessary mechanical knowledge and tools should not attempt to buy this gun, as it requires specialized maintenance and cleaning.
Comparisons
| Feature | WINCHESTER MODEL 1200 | Product A | Product B | Product C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Pump action | Over & Under | Autoloader | Pump action |
| Barrel Length | 28 inches | 30 inches | 26 inches | 28 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 shells | 2 shells | 4 shells | 6 shells |
| Choke Type | Fixed choke | Fixed choke | Removable | Fixed choke |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 20 Gauge | 12 Gauge |
Features / Specs
-Type of gun: Shotgun
-Caliber: 12 gauge
-Action: Pump-action
-Receiver: Steel
-Sights: Bead
-Capacity: 5 rounds
-Length: 43 inches
-Weight: 6.75 pounds
Popular Accessories
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- Magazine extension
- Tactical forearm
- Cantilever barrel mount
- Fiber optic sights
- Recoil pads
- Magazine tubes
- Adjustable stocks
- Scope mounts
- Muzzle brakes
- Sling mounts
Accuracy
The Winchester Model 1200 is a reliable and accurate magazine-fed shotgun. It is made with an 18.5 or 20-inch barrel and has a good recoil absorption system. This shotgun is considered to be an excellent choice for target shooting, sporting clays, and small-game hunting. Its accuracy is enhanced with a smooth action and excellent balance. The gun is known for its tight-pattern shots, which are perfect for hitting long-distance targets. With a price tag that is lower than many other shotguns, the Winchester Model 1200 is an attractive option for anyone looking for a great shotgun.
