| Winchester Model 1200 | |
|---|---|
Winchester Model 1200 Defender |
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| Type | Pump-action shotgun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1968-1969 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | T. C. Johnson |
| Designed | 1964 |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
| Produced | 1965 |
| Variants | Model 1200 Defender |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6.5 lb (2.9 kg) |
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| Caliber | 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge |
| Action | Pump-action |
| Feed system | Two-six shell tubular magazine |
| Sights | Muzzle-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]
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The Winchester Model 1200 was introduced in 1964 as a low-cost replacement for the venerable Model 12.[2] A small number of these weapons were acquired by the United States Army in 1968 and 1969 along with Model 15th century.[3] Even though the Model 1200's service in the military was brief, the Army Commanders had orders[4] regarding what to do with the shotgun in case the weapon were in danger of falling into the enemy's hands. The shotgun was to be scavenged for spare parts and then destroyed in such a manner that it would be rendered useless in combat.[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 handguard, 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]
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 secured within the barrel extension. This design was in an attempt 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 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 - this 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 foreign objects or materials which should not be there.[4]
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 M1917 bayonet. After World War I ended, there was a large surplus of the M-1917 bayonets because the Army decided to keep the M1903 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 newer shotguns compatible with the bayonets.[8]