Vietnam Era High Standard K1200 K-1200 Trench Gun-Style 12 GA Pump Shotgun, MFD 1974
SOLD FOR: $2,313
LSB#: 200410DN15
Make: High Standard
Model: K1200
Serial Number: 3204515
Year of Manufacture: 1974 (DS date code)
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 “HIGH STANDARD / HAMDEN, CONN. U.S.A.”, at the receiver the top-left is marked “U.S.” with a flaming bomb Ordnance mark, “BHSP” in oval, “DS” date code and with an inspection mark, the right of the barrel is marked “PROOF TESTED – 12 GA. / 2 3/4″ CHAMBER”. The left of the receiver is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and with the serial number, the right is amrked “U.S.” with a flaming bomb Ordnance mark. The bottom of the grip is marked “U.S.” and there is a flaming bomb marked behind the grip in the belly.
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the bayonet mount/handguard assembly. The barrel is drilled and filled for a bead just in front of the front edge of the bayonet mount.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece wood with grooved slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, serrated black plastic High Standard buttplate and a sling plate inlet to a scoop in the belly (the other swivel is mounted to the bayonet lug). The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs, the most notable on the left of the forend on the edges of the 5th groove from the rear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-plus condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is some light erosion and minor pitting near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks through the finish. There are scattered patches of light-moderate surface erosion under the finish, most notable on the top-rear of the receiver but there is also a notable patch on the barrel which is concealed by the heat-shield. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bayonet lug/heat shield assembly has a post on the rear which secures the magazine tube, but does not have an indexing post to stop the tube from rotating, it currently rotates freely. 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 green canvas sling is included. The sling shows scattered 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 High Standard K1200 has been assembled in a trench gun configuration, though we couldn’t find reference to any actual U.S. military use of High Standard shotguns, trench gun or otherwise. The work was well done with a nice parkerized finish, bayonet lug/heat shield and U.S. Ordnance markings applied. While it may not be an authentic trench gun, it certainly looks the part. Who cares about authenticity when you have a slick 12 gauge pump shotgun and you can hang a 2-foot bayonet off the front? Please see our photos and good luck!