[Elmer Fudd]

I have the chance to buy a Sears semiautomatic with a variable choke device on it. It appears to be a Winchester 1400. It is in good shape. The dealer wants $300 for it.

What is the reputation of this gun? Price too high? What should I offer? I think I want to buy but I need your input as you folks have a lot of knowledge about guns.

I will not be using it much as I have my trusty double that has been my standby, just like the real Elmer Fudd. It is a Stevens 20 gauge, model 311.

 

[gjw]

Hi, the Sears Ted Williams series of pumps and autos were in fact made by Winchester. During this period the fit and finish on the Sears guns was better than the Winchester brand 1200's and 1400's.

These were very good funtional guns, I have not heard of any real problems with them. The Adjustable Choke works as well as any of that type.

As to price, lots of factors to consider. I think $300 or a bit less is in the ball park. What matters is if you like the gun.

All the best!!!

Greg

 

[Elmer Fudd]

I called the dealer and offered him $250. He accepted. It is a pretty gun with a good finish. It looks like it just came out of the box new. He said he bought it at an estate sale.

Than you for your advice. The variable choke device was the only holdback. I have read that they work as well as the other type chokes. I will not be using it much but it is nice to have.

 

[gjw]

Hi, well congrats!! I think you got a good deal. Hope it works well for you!!

All the best!!

Greg

 

[WinM12]

I called the dealer and offered him $250. He accepted. It is a pretty gun with a good finish. It looks like it just came out of the box new. He said he bought it at an estate sale.

Than you for your advice. The variable choke device was the only holdback. I have read that they work as well as the other type chokes. I will not be using it much but it is nice to have.

Is it the Ted Williams Model 300? If so, I used to own the pump action version, the TW M200. Both guns were private labeled for Sears by Winchester. The pumps were based upon M1200s, while the autos were based upon M1400s. There were minor differences in stocks and receiver profiles between the Winchester and Sears branded guns - but the guns were basically Winchesters.

None of them are worth much today, but they are simple, functional guns.

My Sears pump also had the factory variable choke. It looked more like the old Lyman adjustable chokes, rather than the more popular PolyChoke brand. Regardless, it gave excellent results. Be sure to remove the choke and thoroughly clean the "fingers" on the end of the barrel to make sure it continues to function correctly. If too much grit accumulates in the "fingers", you may not get the choke constriction you desire.

 

[Elmer Fudd]

Thanks to all!

I test fired the gun yesterday afternoon. I don't think it has ever been fired from the looks. It functions well. It didn't jam. Recoil is soft. I like the finish. I tacked some paper on a fence post and tried out the choke. It throws different patterns at difference settings. I will try to get more scientific with the patterning after I get back from my next flight. I have to leave at 11:35 to fly from RDU to Detroit. I will be back tomorrow morning and will shoot some more.

 

[Neanderthal]

Elmer-Congratulations! I think you got a great price on a very good, reliable gun. Good deals don't come along every day!

 

[RetiredLawman]

Elmer, if you get tired of it, pm me. I'll take it off your hands. I had one 25-30 years ago. I wish I had it back. It is a beautiful gun. I never had any problems with it.

 

[woody patterson]

Gentlemen.

I just puchased an old Sears Model 300 which is the Winchester 1400 marketed by them. Excellent bluing, wood needs refinishing. Only bought it cause it has a "polycoke" on it and the barrel also fits my 1400 Mark II. The choke has 4 settings and no name on it. It is possibly a Lyman model. It is not ventilated and I assume is soldered on. It is 2 3/4 long from base attached to barrel to the tip. Has an outer ring that screws off to clean the petals inside.

Can anyone verify the brand used perhaps? Thanks,

Woody

 

[RM54]

I have had one for over 30 years never had a problem with it I think you will like it.

 

[Shootshellz]

Be advised your 'wonder winder' choke is suitable for lead shot only.......

 

[evbutler]

Sears/Winchester/TC used the Lyman variable choke on the 200 and 300 models.

 

[DanG]

What's the Sears stock number on your gun? You can check to see who made it here:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/crossref.asp

Dan