Winchester Model 1200 and 1300

[Rod]

Well, since you asked, I believe you warrant a truthful answer. . I wouldn't be buying one. . Look around for decent Winchester Model 12, pre-64, and you'll have a real Winchester. . But make certain it's hasn't been rode hard and put up wet. . You can find a decent pre-64 Winchester Model 12 for around $300 to $350. .

The 1200 and 1300 aren't even close to an old Model 12. it's comparing hand machining of Winchester Proof Steel to cheap alloy receivers and stamped sheet metal components. . They were designed as a throw away while capitalizing on the Winchester name. . By the early 1960's, Remington was running Winchester into the dirt with the Remington Wingmaster (870). . Ingenious as the Wingmaster was, Winchester couldn't replicate it with the 1200 or the 1300. . Winchester's new design team of 1964 drove a stake into the heart of Olin's Winchester firearms. . Now you know.

 

[Fred24]

Thanks for your honest opinion ! To be true, I was looking for a model 12 at first but I found this one at a really nice price with two barrels so I'm pretty happy with it. It's not going to go to war or anything so I hope it will stand up well and suit my needs. The only thing I hate about it is that it has a plastic trigger guard and I'm wondering If I could find a metal one for it ?

I will still be looking for a nice model 12 anyway because I know it's a better shotgun and a real classic. So I'm not worried, I'll have both for sure

 

[serotonin]

They are great guns to the best of my knowledge and I think you did well with a $200 price tag. They have a similar feel to a Mossberg 500 minus the tang safety.

 

[safehunter]

I have a 1200 with win chokes and 1300 defender. For $200 you did well, especially for 2 barrels.
I only miss a couple out of 25. There are guys who spent 10x that can't say that.

 

[Riverboy]

I shoot trap all the time with a 1200. Thousands and thousands of rounds, and the only issue is the little pins that hold the vent rib on have a tendency to work their way out. (Especially when you are shooting doubles, and there's only 2 shooters) I should just stake them in with a centerpunch, but haven't gotten around to it. No plastic on mine as I recall either, but it's been a few thousand rounds since I had it apart. It was pretty cheap, it always works, is not picky about ammo, and I break a lot of clays with it. I certainly can't complain.