Winchester Model 1400 20 Gauge Shotgun, Winchester 1400 20 Ga

FEATURING AN ALUMINUM ALLOY RECEIVER AND a few polymer and also stampedmetal components, the Model 1400 was component of Winchester s big cost-cuttingdebacle of 1964. Field & Stream once listed it as No. 3 in a list ofthe 50 worst firearms ever made. However before, many kind of shooters have actually owned and also usedModel 1400s to fill the stewpot and also shoot miscellaneous clay techniques foryears without any kind of problems. Surely, part of the factor the Model 1400 is so often perceived asinferior is as a result of the wonderful quality of various other Winchester shotweapons,which nearly invariably were finely made of machined steel, finishedwith midnight-dark bluing, and dressed in well-fitted walnut. Anotherreason undoubtedly is the Model 1400"s permanent two-round magazinecapacity. Tbelow was no plug that can be rerelocated to rise themagazine capacity. Several iterations of the Model 1400 were made in quick succession.After four years of manufacturing, an enhanced activity release replaced theoriginal, and also the Model 1400 obtained the designation "MKII" in1968. In 1969 WinChokes were included. After 4 years the MK II label wasdropped, yet over the years a Skeet Grade iteration with a 26-inch vent rib, Skeet bore, and selectskeet-style stock was created, together with a Trap Grade with a 30-inchFull-choke vent rib barrel and a Deer Gun via rifle-form sights on a22-inch barrel. Typical models were easily accessible in 12,16, and also 20 gauge through 26-, 28-,and also 30-inch barrels. All had actually 2 3/4-inch chambers. Both non-ribbed andventilated rib versions were obtainable.

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The Model 1400 was disongoing in 1981, however a "New Model1400" was carried ago in 1989 and produced into 1994.Improvements included a three-swarm magazine. Like the original model,variants, including a Custom High Grade, Slug Hunter, and a compactRanger version, were additionally offered. Mechanicals Model 1400 shotweapons are gas operated via a rotating bolt. Whenfired, gas vents via a port in the bottom of the barrel, out throughtwin holes in the base of a sturdy steel magazine retainer ring brazedto the barrel. This gas is directed right into the peak forward finish of themagazine tube, the forward half of which serves as a gas piston chamber.The piston is connected with a channel cut into the top of themagazine tube/piston chamber to the split rods of a slide arm. The dualrods extfinish rearward into the action and are connected with the bolt,driving it rearward to eject the empty cartridge. As the empty ejects, a lifter hoists a fresh cartridge and presentsit to the chamber. Unless the bolt locks open on an empty magazine,it"s thrown forward by a stout mainspring, chambering the newcartridge. The bolt rotates into battery, prepared to fire aobtain. Loading the Model 1400 is much the same as many semiauto shotguns:simply press shotshells versus the loading gate located in the bottomof the activity and thumb them forward into the magazine tube. Unchoose the majority of semiauto shotguns, though, the bolt catch is situated atthe forward end of the loading gate. A deeply serrated squarish switch,it must be pressed firmly forward to drop the rearward-locked bolt. The safety is a crossbolt affair hoprovided in the front of the triggerguard and painted red approximately its circumference on the left side toprovide visual indication as soon as the gun is "hot." Provenance Many years ago--and also shortly after tying the knot with my livelyBritish bride--I ended up with the 20-gauge Model 1400 pictured in aseveral-way gun swap. I instantly presented it to her as a gift tosave myself out of trouble. Research mirrors that it was developed among the beforehand 1968 Model1400s, because it bears the "MKII" and also the boosted actionrelease but lacks the serial letter designation compelled by the GunControl Act of 1968. Plus, it has a fixed Full choke rather than theWinChoke tubes presented in 1969. Although my wife"s Model 1400 appeared virtually brand-brand-new, itsometimes double-fed the two shotshells in the magazine, depositing oneonto the lifter but spitting the second shell out the loading gate andonto the ground as soon as the shell in the chamber was fired. We initiallyfixed the problem by sindicate loading one round into the chamber and oneinto the magazine, Later, while functioning part-time for a regional gunsmith,I took the shotgun entirely acomponent and discovered that the front edgeof the magazine cutoff was worn. I regulated to massage the steel intoform and also finesse it square through a rock, which addressed the concern.
Rangetime Shooters that appreciate the Model 1400 preserve that it"s oneof the softest-shooting semiautos obtainable. Although the 48-year-oldrubber of my wife"s 20-gauge"s buttpad is practically crisp withage, the shotgun is still absolutely pleasant to shoot. Wandering acrosssage-spanned flats on public land near my house, I freshly shot targetsof chance through Browning, Federal, and Winchester shotshells,ranging from light 7/8-ounce taracquire tons to high-brass 114-ounce fieldlots. The Model 1400 devoured them without worry and recoiled ratherpolitely also via the heavier tons. I tested the hefty area loads against a pattern board, firing from40 yards, and the Full-choked Model 1400 put the mass of the pelletsright into a 40-inch circle, grouping 70/30 percent above/below allude of aim.That s perfect for searching fast-flushing pheasants and also trap shooting. The gun"s balance is good, also, and it shoulders conveniently andpoints well. Granted, it"s not a fine handfitted, all-steel vintageclassic that will rise in value over time. It"s kind of analmost-forgained, hardworking shotgun that has been affordable from thefirst day it hit dealers" shelves. Buying one today will certainly set youearlier between $ 175 and $400, relying on condition and configuration,and it"s not an investment in high finance. Rather, it"s aninvestment in time aarea with a soft-shooting, easy-pointing semiautothat prices much less than most pump-actions shotweapons. Although it"s rather unwell-known, the economy-grade WinchesterModel 1400 is a soft-shooting semiauto shotgun that shootersweren"t afrassist to job-related tough. The forward finish of the magazine tubefunctions as a piston chamber for the gas-operated style. As an outcome,maximum magazine capacity is two rounds.MODEL 1400MANUFACTURER WinchesterTYPE Gas-operated autoloaderGAUGE 20 gaugeMAGAZINE CAPACITY 2 roundsBARREL 28 in.CHOKE FullOVERALL LENGTH 48.5 in.WEIGHT, EMPTY 7.06 lbs.STOCK WalnutFINISH Blued barrel and activity, lacquer-finimelted woodLENGTH OF PULL 14 in.SIGHTS Brass bead frontTRIGGER 5.19-lb. pull (as tested)SAFETY Crossbolt

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