Yeah, the 1200 will do what you want.

Any gun is fine until it malfunctions. I think most would agree the risk of a malfunction is greater with the 1200 than the others. Myself I have two, neither has given me any problems.

 

Just don't get the M1911SL..............

I want one,,, just for a S**** & Giggles wall hanger.

 

Okay thanks, so in that case...

At this gun shop, they have:
-Model 120 Ranger 12 gauge in very good condition for $349
-Model 1200 12 gauge in very good condition for $295.

I went and saw them in person and liked them both, preferably the Model 120. Are these guns worth what they are asking?

 

Call it gun snobbery or whatever you like. I've always thought the 1200 and 120 were clunky and junky. You'd have to tape a $100 bill to either of them to take it off your hands.

 

Okay thanks, so in that case...

At this gun shop, they have:
-Model 120 Ranger 12 gauge in very good condition for $349
-Model 1200 12 gauge in very good condition for $295.

I went and saw them in person and liked them both, preferably the Model 120. Are these guns worth what they are asking?

No.

A very nice 1200 is in the classifieds here.

 

This one looks to be in good shape, and it's priced right
https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewto ... 0&t=496632

 

I had a 1200 and 1300. The 1200 ran and rand till I sold it. The 1300 3" camo turkey broke after about 10 years. Saying that. I would not own another. Or a Mossberg. I've been using an 870 for 20 years with 00 buckshot and turkey loads and it STILL runs fine.
BTW The prices you quote are NIB prices for those guns.....Neither should run over around $220. And since they have been discontinued for about 20 years parts might be a problem. Winchester imports from Turkey basically the same gun called the Shadow. I'd buy that before buying the used ones at inflated prices.

 

Thanks for all the replies..

So with all that being said, I guess I can tell myself to just go with an 870.. lol. I really wanted a Winchester simply because when my grandpa was around all he shot was Winchester shotguns and rifles, so it kind of runs in the family. I actually have a 12 gauge Model 1912 that was his, but at some point in time he cut the barrel/choke off of it so it has no choke. As much as I want Winchester, I need a gun that's gonna work every time and is the best gun for my money

What do y'all think of the Express 870? I can get a brand new one at Academy for $299, and I also have a guy that wants to sell me an Express Magnum for $200 with 3 other chokes. Are there any other guns y'all would recommend for me to consider? I also like the Mossberg 500.. Buddy just bought one and I shot a lot of skeet with it yesterday.

I was pawn shop hopping for a while today and came across a bunch of Wingmasters in the $200 range, but they either only shot 2 3/4" shells, or they were full choke.

Thanks for all your help! I'm 19, about to start college, and am new in waterfowl hunting, so I kind of have to budget how much I'm spending on this which is why I'm trying to stay around $300 for a solid gun. I've been borrowing my brothers Maverick 88 20 gauge, just want my own gun with my name on it to beat up. Already have decoys and calls and what not, just need me a 12 gauge!

 

The 1200 didn't last long - had a lot of parts breakages. The 1300 was a bit better, then came the Speed Pump, and now it has evolved into the SXP. Over the same period the Remington and Mossberg have sold over 22 million between them with no major design changes.

 

....................................................................................................

 

A new SXP or 870 Express fits your budget. See which one fits you best for shooting.
Beg or borrow both to try out on the range.

 

The advantage to buying a newer gun would be having interchangeable chokes. This gives you the ability to tailor your gun to the shooting scenario.

 

Thanks for all the replies..

So with all that being said, I guess I can tell myself to just go with an 870.. lol. I really wanted a Winchester simply because when my grandpa was around all he shot was Winchester shotguns and rifles, so it kind of runs in the family. I actually have a 12 gauge Model 1912 that was his, but at some point in time he cut the barrel/choke off of it so it has no choke. As much as I want Winchester, I need a gun that's gonna work every time and is the best gun for my money

What do y'all think of the Express 870? I can get a brand new one at Academy for $299, and I also have a guy that wants to sell me an Express Magnum for $200 with 3 other chokes. Are there any other guns y'all would recommend for me to consider? I also like the Mossberg 500.. Buddy just bought one and I shot a lot of skeet with it yesterday.

I was pawn shop hopping for a while today and came across a bunch of Wingmasters in the $200 range, but they either only shot 2 3/4" shells, or they were full choke.

Thanks for all your help! I'm 19, about to start college, and am new in waterfowl hunting, so I kind of have to budget how much I'm spending on this which is why I'm trying to stay around $300 for a solid gun. I've been borrowing my brothers Maverick 88 20 gauge, just want my own gun with my name on it to beat up. Already have decoys and calls and what not, just need me a 12 gauge!

I have an 870 Express I won at auction on Gunbroker. Looked really good in the pictures and the description said it was flawless mechanically. Both proved accurate, not a speck of rust and a smooth action. Got it as a backup and foul weather gun, but have enjoyed shooting it regularly.Not Wingmaster fit and finish, but mine's a solid gun .

 

Thanks for all the replies..

So with all that being said, I guess I can tell myself to just go with an 870.. lol. I really wanted a Winchester simply because when my grandpa was around all he shot was Winchester shotguns and rifles, so it kind of runs in the family. I actually have a 12 gauge Model 1912 that was his, but at some point in time he cut the barrel/choke off of it so it has no choke. As much as I want Winchester, I need a gun that's gonna work every time and is the best gun for my money

What do y'all think of the Express 870? I can get a brand new one at Academy for $299, and I also have a guy that wants to sell me an Express Magnum for $200 with 3 other chokes. Are there any other guns y'all would recommend for me to consider? I also like the Mossberg 500.. Buddy just bought one and I shot a lot of skeet with it yesterday.

I was pawn shop hopping for a while today and came across a bunch of Wingmasters in the $200 range, but they either only shot 2 3/4" shells, or they were full choke.

Thanks for all your help! I'm 19, about to start college, and am new in waterfowl hunting, so I kind of have to budget how much I'm spending on this which is why I'm trying to stay around $300 for a solid gun. I've been borrowing my brothers Maverick 88 20 gauge, just want my own gun with my name on it to beat up. Already have decoys and calls and what not, just need me a 12 gauge!

I have an 870 Express I won at auction on Gunbroker. Looked really good in the pictures and the description said it was flawless mechanically. Both proved accurate, not a speck of rust and a smooth action. Got it as a backup and foul weather gun, but have enjoyed shooting it regularly.Not Wingmaster fit and finish, but mine's a solid gun .

I went pawn shop hopping today and saw a lot of Wingmasters in the $200 range, but they either only shot 2 3/4 shells or were a full choke

I'm going to look some more tomorrow but I'm sure the Express is what I'll end up with

 

Ever since the demise of the Model 97, Model 12, Model 37, and Model 21, the original Winchester factory did not built a decent, long lasting reliable shotgun due to the plastic and stamped metal parts. (This only refers to the 1200-1300-1400 models.)

This does NOT refer to the newer Super-X autos or their new pumps, as I have no personal experience with them.

 

The 870 will be fine, in nearly any flavor. Since you are hunting, definitely read up on different CLP and rust prevention. If hunting saltwater, learn even more. If kept well, a 870 will last a long ways considering many 100 plus year old guns work just fine!

Agree. I do pay a bit of extra attention to exterior rust prevention treatment with my 870. The Express models are not as finely finished as the Wingmaster, so it just makes sense to do so IMO. I personally thinly grease the exterior prior to storage. So far so good , even in southern Georgia humidity!

 

The 870 will be fine, in nearly any flavor. Since you are hunting, definitely read up on different CLP and rust prevention. If hunting saltwater, learn even more. If kept well, a 870 will last a long ways considering many 100 plus year old guns work just fine!

That's actually what I was going to ask yall next, cause yet it will be saltwater about 99% of the time. That current 20 gauge I've using, you can literally sit there in the marsh and watch the gun rust. About every 30 mins or so a new rust spot will pop up. Crazy!!

I was actually thinking about (whichever gun I decide to go with) on getting it camo dipped because I know that's a good way to prevent rusting

 

Maybe a Ceracote finish? Here is some test results conducted on it and it seems to hold up pretty well. However, salt air/humid conditions require upmost diligence before and after hunting. I think Tidefanatic's suggestion of a very thin coat of RIG grease or the like is probably going to be necessary.

https://www.cerakote.com/testing/

 

Dk2429, here is my 2 cents worth. The 870 Express offers a quality gun that will last for relatively small money. The design has been around for a long time and they work. Many outlets have them on sale frequently. For those of us who don't have a big budget these guns are a God send. They're not the prettiest guns, but they are functional guns that last for lifetimes if basic and simple maintenance is carried out. Also, check the Remington warranty. I think they cover their guns with a lifetime warranty now. Cheers.

 

Dk2429, here is my 2 cents worth. The 870 Express offers a quality gun that will last for relatively small money. The design has been around for a long time and they work. Many outlets have them on sale frequently. For those of us who don't have a big budget these guns are a God send. They're not the prettiest guns, but they are functional guns that last for lifetimes if basic and simple maintenance is carried out. Also, check the Remington warranty. I think they cover their guns with a lifetime warranty now. Cheers.

Yep, I've pretty much already made mind up on that, I'll just get an 870. I actually have a guy that offered me his Express Magnum with 3 extra chokes in like new condition for $225, AND offered to take me hunting to try it out before I buy. It is black with a synthetic stock. Maybe its just me but if the gun really is like new condition then that sounds like a hell of a deal. Or, I just get a brand new one so I get the lifetime warranty on the gun like you mentioned. $299 at Academy for an 870 with wood stock.

I got alot of recommendations on a Benelli or a BPS, but I have to be honest.. Criticize me all yall want, but when i have the chance to buy American made, I do it. I've been like that with many things I have, especially when it's something I'll be putting a lot of use on. I just feel better putting my money that way, which is why I'm honestly not intrested in the BPS or a Benelli or a new Winchester. I'm sure they are all good guns, but if i can get a solid USA made gun for the same price or cheaper, I'll be much happier with my purchase that way

 

Just another thought. You already have a family heirloom Winchester Model 12. Maybe it would be worth sourcing a barrel on Ebay. After a quick trip to a smith for proper fitting it would be a great gun probably within your budget. A pre '64 winchester with family history would be priceless. The only downside is that you would have to use bismuth shot for waterfowl because steel might not be good in a vintage barrel.

My 1929 Model 12 is still running strong. I wish it had family history.

 

Yeah, your friend's 870 magnum is the way to go.

 

Just another thought. You already have a family heirloom Winchester Model 12. Maybe it would be worth sourcing a barrel on Ebay. After a quick trip to a smith for proper fitting it would be a great gun probably within your budget. A pre '64 winchester with family history would be priceless. The only downside is that you would have to use bismuth shot for waterfowl because steel might not be good in a vintage barrel.

My 1929 Model 12 is still running strong. I wish it had family history.

Man i love that gun! It kicks like hell, feels like a true piece of machinery. I actually went and shot skeet with it the other day, and even with the barrel cut off/no choke it still hit skeet no prob! But like you said, others have told me it wouldn't be a good idea to shoot steel through it. And honestly even if i could, i wouldn't want to get it all rusted up and nasty and stuff. I can just use it for dove or something on land with lead shot

 

Yeah, your friend's 870 magnum is the way to go.

I'm leaning that way pretty hard. I'm not a fan of the all black gun, but for that price plus a hunting trip it's hard to pass up

 

Sorry to post again, just figured I'd show yall exactly what Wins I had my hands on yesterday

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/winc ... uge-w9784/

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/winc ... ge-w10167/

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/winc ... uge-w9037/