Vietnam Era Winchester Model 1200 Trench Gun-style 12 GA Pump Shotgun, MFD 1964-68 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,825

LSB#: 200410DN11

Make: Winchester

Model: 1200

Serial Number: 257693

Year of Manufacture: 1964-1968 (pre-L prefix)

Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 3/4″ Chamber

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “U.S. / WINCHESTER MODEL 1200 – 12 GA. 2 3/4 CHAM. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / CYL.”, the top-rear has an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “257693 / U.S.”. The top of the receiver is stamped “N 73” through the finish to the left of the sighting plane. The left of the bayonet lug has a drawing number. The left of the stock is marked “TE / A” and with a boxed eagle and stars cartouche. The bottom of the grip is marked “3”.

Barrel Length: 20”

Choke: Cylinder Bore

Sights / Optics: There is a bead mounted to the front of the bayonet mount. The barrel is NOT drilled for a bead underneath.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set with extended slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, ventilated orange rubber Winchester recoil pad and a sling plate inlet to the belly (the other swivel is mounted to the bayonet mount). The stocks have some scattered light scuffs, scratches and have either a rough finish or evenly scattered light scraping under the finish. The bottom of the grip has two holes as from a previously installed grip cap. There is a tiny loss at the rear edge of the buttstock on the right toward the heel. The wood is still generally proud to the receiver. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has hardened with age showing discoloration and scattered light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered minor scrapes and scuffs, thinning at some edges and the barrel has a patch of what appears to be adhesive residue on the right toward the rear. The pin heads are unmarred. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Most markings are clear, the serial marking is slightly shallow. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed bayonet lug/handguard is included. The heat shield has six rows of holes (29, 28, 29, 29, 28, 29 holes, respectively). The bayonet lug/handguard has scattered light wear with a dent between the 10th and 11th holes from the front on the top-right row. A green canvas sling is also included, showing light wear.

Our Assessment: The shotgun has a long history in the United States military. While shotguns have historically been used for foraging or guard duty, the combat shotgun may not be unique to America, but it’s not a stretch to say that American use is unique. From the Battle of New Orleans to the Civil War, from the trenches of WWI to the jungles of Vietnam, the combat shotgun has continued to find use by the American military. This Winchester Model 1200 is in a trench-gun configuration with a 20″ Cylinder Bore barrel having a bayonet lug/heat shield, plain wood stocks and sling mount. Our research indicates that the serial number is a little early for an authentic U.S. military 1200 trench gun, but the markings and features appear correct. Whether authentic or a high-quality reproduction, this Winchester 1200 trench gun will make a nice addition to a collection of combat shotguns or a Winchester collection in general. Please see our photos and good luck!

Vietnam Era Winchester Model 1200 Trench Gun-style 12 GA Pump Shotgun, MFD 1964-68 C&R
Vietnam Era Winchester Model 1200 Trench Gun-style 12 GA Pump Shotgun, MFD 1964-68 C&R