Winchester 1200 Defender

[@P4c3y86]

The furniture on that Winchester is gorgeous!

[@bryanwilson4485]

Yes

[@gud2go50]

It saved my life to include my home Scottish Boarder Terrier, in the middle of the South Carolina woods, against Hogs. We nearly lost our life, but killed it with my 1300 Winchester shotgun. Still smoother than the rest.

[@jbkormos]

I've had a 1300 for over 10 years. Great gun. It serves as my primary home defense weapon. As for what you mentioned about the slide wanting to travel backward immediately after you fire a round, that's because the slide is recoil assisted. It's actually designed to do exactly that: begin traveling backward immediately after firing so as to increase the speed and facility of the gun.

[@RUBIZEN]

And...the harder the recoil the farther the bolt comes back. I have a 1200 and sometimes the slug shell will eject the emptys on recoil alone.

[@fleebin2794]

Yup, hard to get used to for me. They told me it was called a “Winchester speed pump” back when I bought mine 20+ years ago. Not a light weapon in my opinion.

[@jamesfrealy6077]

L.p. p ok pm

[@walterfoster6612]

My dad has had a 1300 defender for years. That inertia action is why I like the platform so much.

[@scythelord]

Funny, I have a 1200 I'd gotten just recently and never even noticed when firing it if it was doing that.

[@Kevin_747]

I love my 1200 Riot. I've owned it since '76. It is my #1 home protection firearm.

[@silverback7659]

+McVaggerGaming Google is your friend

[@silverback7659]

+McVaggerGaming Google is your friend

[@silverback7659]

+McVaggerGaming Google is your friend

[@josephruiz7233]

The "Riot" Model has the 4+1 Capacity with the barrel mounted rifle sights, right?

[@conradsmith6037]

@@josephruiz7233 right

[@ratlips4363]

I have a 1300. What a great gun! Smooth action, never jams. Its my house hold defender

[@johntaylor9320]

I bought a 1300 in 1988. A real sweetheart. Sorry I gave it away. Winchester said it had the fastest action of any pump shotgun.

[@donteandamy]

My grandfather willed this beautiful weapon to me before he passed 10 years ago. I've never fired it and don't intend to. It's great seeing you have fun with it, but for me, it looks great proudly displayed over my fireplace.

[@getx1265]

Bought my 1200 in the late 70s. Wood carved/burned my signature into the stock as I knew I'd never get rid of it! A great gun to shoot and just admire its form! It has spent more than a few nights hiding in the corner nearby or under my bed.

[@wod82]

Perfect timing with this review. I just finished restoring one my father passed down to me. It had a pistol grip on it so I had to get the hogue furniture set which is really nice I must say. Removed some rust on the mag tube and re-blued it. I also put a TRUGLO Starbright front sight on it. Can't wait to try it out, I think my father would be proud. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing.

[@Sandhill1988]

First weapon I ever bought brand new in 1986 and still have it to this day it'll be a family heirloom I will never give it up. It's amazing how many have come and gone but the defender has been a mainstay it's just a piece of functional artwork.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

I have an SXP Defender and it is awesome. It has been 100% reliable, and has the smoothest action of any pump shotgun I've ever shot or owned.

[@gud2go50]

Shotguns are king in my view. I love them all. You can use them for everything, except for long range shooting, but you proved that this account different at 230 yards. Enjoyed that video.

[@phxROCKSTAR]

I've had my Defender 1300 for about 11 years now and it has never failed me. Its just a great gun. Still operates just as well as the day I bought it. In fact, it out shoots my friends 870's, no contest. 870's are great if you want to learn how to clear jams. Winchesters are great if you want to fire rounds. :)

[@mr.rogers9319]

My 870 runs like a sewing machine. But I do love my dad's 1300 XTR one day it'll be mine.

[@johnelder4273]

The Winchestet 1200 and 1300s are sweet, but I have thousands of rounds through my 870 Express Magnum (bought new in 1992) and never had to clear a jam or experienced a malfunction of any kind. I know their quality control was a bit spotty, but it is the easiest gun to "fluff and buff". My 870 (2013) needed the chamber polished with steel wool and a drill to smooth out tool marks (which took 5 minutes) but flawless since. Never pass up a good deal on an 870, they are solid guns.

[@anthonygerber8261]

1300 Defender was the first shotgun I ever shot.

[@gogglestone]

The winchester 1200/1300 were made to begin the pump cycle as soon as the round is fired the action unlocks and begins it's backward movement through recoil alone. Try firing one handed without holding the pump you will see what I mean. In my instruction booklet if you keep pressure on the pump backwards it will basically help cycle the round for you. All you have to do is push forward once you fire. It was sold as a benefit. I love my 1300 defender first firearm I ever purchased! By the way their action will cycle the Aguila 1 1/4" mini shells Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 have to be modified. Yours Truly Winchester fanboy.

[@Evilliboba]

You can cycle the 1300's fast. Smooth fast actions.

[@gogglestone]

***** Midway USA sells them though they are currently out of stock until end of this month. Do a search on youtube for Aguila Mini shells on youtube and you will see what I mean. Plenty powerful enough for home defense yet I can get 12 of them in the 1300.

[@jaggafeen]

that is explained well and that's why its the fastest pump in the world

[@ihitwrongbutton194]

That's funny, l was under the impression all modern pump action shotguns operate in that manner and I'm being very facetious. Enlighten me

[@ihitwrongbutton194]

@@jaggafeen if this claim be true then why don't you see this firearm being used in cowboy action. I doubt it's faster than a 1897 or any other slam fire pump action. Enlighten me

[@1791Actual]

Great to see you givign the W1200D a workout! I've had one since around '80 or '81. This has been the only shogun I've ever wanted. Good for home defense, or hunting. With the way the action cycles and nearly ejects the spent shell for you, in my opinion, it's one of the best shotguns ever made.

[@RFAM05]

I bought a 1200 Defender about 20 years ago and have loved shooting it since. Great to see you reviewing it. Thank you

[@misguidedmammal]

I received the 4+1 model of this as a gift from a friend. Love it. Cycles smooth as butter.

[@vxy357]

The Winchester Defender pistol grip was the first gun I ever bought back in January of 1986. i saved up my Christmas money and bought it at the local gun shop. Man , it was a beauty.

[@on2wheels378]

My cousin bought one of these in early 1992. He used it to protect his family's equipment rental business in Gardena Ca during the April 29, 1992 LA Riots. Gardena is 1 mile from South Central Los Angeles. Since then, he has added to his collection. My cousin was 19 at the time of the riots.

[@cherokid]

Thanks for doing this video. I was given a 1200 on my 18th birthday by my folks but it had a little fancier wood and a hunting barrel with interchangable "winchokes" The way it releases after shooting is the way it was designed. It was the fastest pump shotgun made at the time. It just takes getting used to. It also has a rotating bolt like an AR. I used mine for hunting rabbits, Quail and Pheasant. It is still a great hunting gun that I gave my son last year.

[@maliden]

my 1200 has never broke or jamed. That smooth action sound is what i grew up with and it dose my heart good to hear it. this gun is a priceless Classic.

[@georgeszaslavsky]

one of the nicest and most reliable pumpshot gun made by winchester

[@morelenmir]

It is so cool to hear you reminiscing about the old movies and how they influenced you. I saw exactly the same films and felt just the same!!! I was quite a bit younger than you Hickok when I saw them on TV in the early nineties, but I wanted a 'pump-gun' so badly after "The Getaway" and a supressed Mac-9 when I watched "McQ"... "Point Blank" and "Fort Apache - The Bronx", not to mention the series about a certain homicide detective in San Francisco!!! The absolute definition of tough, realistic and gritty action. But I live in England and just saying you'd like to own a gun is enough to get teachers and policemen ready to have you locked away... ANYWAY. You just don't get movies like those in the late-sixties and seventies any more - Lee Marvin, McQueen and Clint Eastwood... I don't think there are any actors who can hold a candle.

[@thomasmoje5926]

My Dad had a Winchester Model 1200 shotgun in 16 gauge. It was the first shotgun I ever fired. Found one in real good shape on the used gun rack at our local Cabela's store two years ago. Exactly like the one my Dad had even in 16 gauge, so I just had to have it and bought it. I think it was manufactured sometime 1966-1967. It has a jewelled bolt and pressed-checkering on the forearm pump and the grip area of the stock. Just a beautiful shotgun and is real slick handling and a natural pointer. Glad I found one as I have a lot of fond memories of hunting with my Dad and his Winchester Model 1200. Oh and I remember he pointed out to me the feature of the pump starting back to cycle the bolt after firing..Winchester made a big deal of that back in the day.

[@VFRSTREETFIGHTER]

The original Getaway is SUCH a great movie!

[@Mrdrivereight]

The movie sucks compared to the original novel by Jim Thompson.

[@chubbycatfish4573]

My dad bought my mom a sewing machine in 1970 and they gave him a Winchester 1200 for free.

[@mr.rogers9319]

Man the good old days when guns weren't evil and you can buy ammunition at convenience stores. Those times will never come back and it's only getting worse

[@danielroque2832]

@@mr.rogers9319 yeah, i mean, guns had never been evil to begin with. Only people who uses them for evil purposes make them be. Guns can provide safety and freedom for all

[@gingersnap7793]

​@mr.rogers9319 there's a convince store in round lake ontario canada that still sells ammo

[@larrycampbell7415]

I might be wrong about this because my memory isn't what it used to be, but I'm pretty sure that I can remember seeing a Colt AR-15 at Walmart for $350.00. And every time that I remember that I could just kick myself for not buying one back then. I did buy a Winchester model 1300 that is very similar to the one that Hickok45 is shooting here. I made the very bad mistake of buying mine with in the crazy configuration of having nothing but a pistol grip instead of the traditional stock. I shot it one time with a 2 and 3/4" 00 Buck load. I promptly called Winchester and ordered a synthetic standard stock to match the synthetic piece on the front. I still own it today. The only regret I have had about that shotgun is not being able to find a really nice set of aftermarket sights (something like a ghost-right configuration) like those that are available for the 870 from Scattergun Technologies. Thank you for another excellent video. In my opinion, the good old shotgun is the best fighting firearm that the average person could own. I cannot imagine a more versatile tool. Suitable for dove to bear and everything in between.

[@Hagenchuck]

I love the personal touch story and the emotion behind it.

[@gustavovaladez6458]

That shotgun is beautiful, i mean beautiful, gotta love a 12 gauge pump action shotgun.

[@2GTerrell]

I have a basic WC 1200 pump, wood stock and I love mine as a general home defense/hunt gun. It's never failed to load or otherwise had any problems. Good video, made me feel happy about the fact that I own one. New love for my WC1200! Thanks Hickock for the vid.

[@WestyBadger1]

I recently purchased the SXP, and i also have a 1300. I compared the actions of the two and they are practically, Identical! The SXP and the 1300 are both excellent!

[@halohalopoint]

I had one of those 30 years ago. It would auto eject the shell if you didn't hold the forend. So it ran fast. Was really happy with it.

[@tokin420nchokin]

I have a 1972 model 1200 that was shot once before I took ownership an i absolutely love it! Something about the action of the 1200 is so buttery smooth. I only wish I could shoot mags.

[@purpleheartscott8553]

You mentioned that lots of people consider this the distant cousin, 2nd class to the 870 and 500's. I'm in the market for my first shotty and have read many, many reports that the new Winchester SXP is in fact better than the entry level 870's and 500's. The actions are much smoother and there is apparently no slop. And plenty of barrel choices as well, I've decided on a camp/field combo that comes with the 18" cylinder bore barrel and a 28" field barrel with three different chokes......all for cheaper than most entry level 870/500. The negative is that there isn't lots of aftermarket tacticool stuff, but I plan to keep mine plain Jane with light and extra shells on either stock or side saddle. Good review Hickok as usual.

[@richardmiseljr2413]

Had one in the 80's. Had to sell it. Man I miss that shotgun.

[@thomasnowak1932]

Winchester shotguns are some of the best shotguns ever made in my opinion I just one a few months back and I never want another shotgun again I absolutely love it

[@h2o4170]

Own one and love it. Bought mine in 83. I have several 870s two 1100s a Ithaca ,and 590. This is the best pump gun I own by far. Your short shucking becuase your not letting the speed action work. The bolt design of this gun is second to none. Great vids keep up the good work! As a added note your gun saftey is one of the best parts of your videos. Even when not purposely showing saftey it's alway evident. Thankyou

[@dickyfisher9249]

I am a master of this weapon. If. Ya short pull ya in trouble. Either way. What do you mean by that. They workd. Fine for me with 3in. Mag. No prob.

[@h2o4170]

Ok master what is the question?

[@reeseman67]

Got my first 1300, a Defender, in 1998 or so, MAN, had 870's, have 590's, semi's, love them all, but NOTHING has ever come close to being as smooth as my 1300 or 1200 out of the box!! Sooo slick!

[@PappyGunn]

Had one of those since 1987. Now with a foldable stock. This gun never let me down. Zero malfunction.

[@PappyGunn]

Funny thing, I did just like Hickok here. When I moved out and got my first apartment, this is the gun I took with me.

[@matthughes549]

I can speak with experience this firearm serves the purpose. This was the first firearm I ever owned. It's perfect for home defense or as I like to say " close encounters". I owned the Winchester defender 1200 P.G.P Version and I loved it ! Nothing like the click of a shotgun tells unwanted guest they are "fu##ed".

[@elblancobasura]

I had my first experience with these in 1982 when a friend of mine bought one in Southern Kalifornia. I have 2 of them before 2006 manufacture. They're still showing up in pawn shops here in Florida from time to time.

[@infblue102c]

I love the CCDL shirt!! Thank you for the support! CT has a long battle ahead of us.

[@ACMAGNUM1]

Love the tee shirt, Hickok. Thanks for your support.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

I remember watching The Getaway on TV probably a decade ago (back when i was still a young teen) but i could never remember the name of the movie. I just wanted to say thank you Hickok for bringing up that movie so i could finally find it and watch it again.

[@Gunner40Five]

I always liked the Winchesters, very smooth action with a rotating bolt.

[@southernviking8644]

Never get tired of Hickok and shotguns. I love my SXP Defender.

[@augsburg74aya]

I have an old 1200 with the standard 28 inch hunting barrel it has beautiful wood on it i dont know why gun companies dont take a little more pride in the wood they use now a days all the guns i have from the 60s and 70s came stocked with beautiful furniture on them the 12 has a very smooth action

[@XAVargasX0206]

Unfortunately nowadays their isn't much pride anymore

[@vxy357]

wood tends to warp or get scratched up. Plastic stocks hold up to a lot of abuse. But i agree with you. the wood furniture, especially the laminated stocks, look gorgeous.

[@jonathanward2319]

The first shotgun I ever owned was a Winchester 1300. Brings back a lot of memories to see it's older brother.

[@applesauce3894]

I like how he often starts with the shooting. No intro to sit through when you just want to see the weapon fire, though I usually stick around for the rest of the video since they're usually pretty interesting.

[@strakill]

Federal, we sure thank you. I'm glad I look for your ammo on the shelf first and will continue to do so.

[@Griep68]

I bought a standard model 1200 5 years ago off an older man for 160 bucks and I can honestly say it has the smoothest pump action hands down.

[@victort.461]

Man just bought one for fun in 2021 for 250 and it still looks nice an oldie but goodie for sure...and seeing hicock shooting it makes it all the better 💪☝️

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

Just found one of these in my grandpa's house that i just moved into (he passed 20 years ago, house has barely been touched since, im REALLY lucky, even with aid from my military service, with my disabilities i have been hampered in income to a degree where i'd be homeless if i hadn't just been virtually given a $300,000 home! so...I know how lucky i am, esp after 4 combat tours in warzones) Anyway, found out this shotgun was used for a short time in 'Nam from my pops (Marine Recon Sniper), we found a Winchester Model 70 .270 which he said would be a great sniper rifle, even over the 30-06 which it's close to in size....a Pre-64 Model 70 which i guess makes it really collectible and has some parts differrences? Shoots like a dream for a 58 year old gun, S The Winchester Model 1200 runs like clockwork, bought in the 70s at a K-Mart by my dad whom forgot about it somehow hahaha....sat in a closet for 30 years maybe more. Also found a Colt "Colteer" 15 shot .22 LR that has one of the nicest triggers for a .22 LR ive ever felt and makes my girl jelly (she has Ruger .22, we picked that over the ar-15 looking Smith .22, i like the old school carbine look more) also found an M1 Garand that needs work but will work, and ammo, lol. Anyway, just excited, gun collection went from 6 to 11 (13 if everything gets working) most interesting pistol found: Beretta Brevet Model 418 6.35mm/.25 cal, striker fired, similar looking striker-loaded-indication system as my favorite 9mm of all time: The HK P7 M8

[@vxy357]

Lucky you. You really lucked out with the house and your grampa's gun collection.

[@rxforrillo2854]

This guy is like the bob ross of guns great work man

[@seantfu]

I love your sense of humor and small gestures throughout your videos. Especially when you were counting how many you could fit in the tube, you said "Just showing off, you didn't know I could count that high."

[@killerkork]

0:07 A breath taking moment, nothing like the blast of a shotgun !!

[@akifdarr1]

My mom bought me a 1200 for my 18th birthday. Still have it and it still shoots like a dream!

[@medicalpiff803]

Run for president man!!

[@TheAfromac]

I had a 1300 express as my turkey gun for a few years. I used to love that gun. Shotguns in general are just Fun!

[@jasonstone3231]

I freaking LOVE how you laugh after you fire off whatever weapon your demonstrating, I laugh myself because I love seeing anyone with as much love for guns that I have..............love your videos boss,

[@Wednesdayat11]

I think what I like best about your vids is that you always display respectable gun safety.

[@TheFullacha]

Glad to see Federal is giving you some support, it's well deserved!

[@MrSeamus1964]

Love the t shirt! Thanks for supporting Ct. gun owners ;)

[@giantasiansticker8880]

Yeah we still exist

[@dslag7812]

Love the getaway! This is a great shotgun! Grandpa had one that I use to love to shoot! I bought a maverick 88 and wish I could find one of these where I live. It did me good to see this, reminded me of my papaw! Thanks Hickok.

[@thehat222]

This is my first (and currently only) shotgun, got it from a friend for $200 after his grandpa passed, came with polymer pistol grip and foregrip which are my guilty pleasure to run on the thing. Fantastic gun, I keep it loaded with some birdshot as my designated home defense gun. Kicks like hell but I love it.

[@earlyetman5588]

Does anyone ever get tired of the glorious music a smooth pump action slide makes when shucked?

[@jacknifedbl]

i had a 1300 defender years ago...i wish i had never sold it now..it was a great shotgun

[@RayRay-mj6pn]

I still have the police model. Its one of my favorite shotguns. Mine was used in Vietnam then sold to a police in car model. Love this gun it shoots clays all day lol.

[@JoshIsParty]

Just bought one of these an hour ago. can't wait to get it after the background check

[@citizentactics5227]

I've had mine for 4 years now and I have enjoyed every second with my 1200 defender.

[@MikeZep82]

You sometimes remind me of my dad Hickok, thanks for that. I always love your videos.

[@TreeJayyy]

Honestly so awesome you are wearing the CCDL shirt again, thank you so much for the support. April 5th state capitol everyone, fight for your rights!

[@robnielsen8141]

I had a 1300. absolutely solid reliable weapon. fires any 12 ga ammo. I put the folding stock and pistol grip, It was pure pump action joy. I never had a misfeed, EVER, and I never short racked it

[@dullbrass]

Yeay, got the same model. No hickups with mine. It's smooth like butter, much smoother than an 870. Sold the 870, kept the Winchester. Beautiful gun.

[@AmericanFamilyAdventures]

Ah the shot gun. What a great multi purpose firearm. Great video.

[@bcaffrey98]

Hickok - The High Standard model, if I recall, was the 8113 and held 8 rounds. We used one for a security patrol vehicle ('74-'76) in the bad side of town. I have a Winchester 1200 duck gun w/vent rib. The 1200's had some bad shell retainers that would allow a double-feed with a stuffed magazine and there used to be a fix for that. Not much an issue of you only loaded 3. I bought a 1300 Defender in '99 and have fired it alongside the 870 and Mossberg 500. The light receiver is no benefit when using slugs or full power turkey loads (especially the next morning when you reach to shut off the alarm). The 1300 is my fall-back shotgun in the bedroom. For easier use indoors, I'm using a 20-gauge 870 synthetic stock with #2 buckshot. It's lighter and faster handling and less likely to knock me over at 2 a.m. than the 1300. The Winchester is great afield though because it's lighter and fast handling. Even with the short barrel it'll take ducks closer in.

[@gclagrange]

Bought my 1200 around the late 70s. Great gun and it is still going strong.

[@BullittMcQueen1]

Great gun for home defense. Steve McQueen, The King of Cool! Love The Getaway.

[@tomkat898]

I really enjoyed the backstory of that old shotgun. you really seemed happy to be reunited with it. great vid

[@mastercfromhalo3]

Love the shirt!!! That's for supporting us!!! And awesome vid as always!!

[@Nyarlathotepmeme]

Hickok looked like a kid in a candy store unboxing those slugs.

[@jffrocks]

It's a nice experience to "revisit" a gun you owned (or got to shoot) long ago.

[@LutzMowinski]

Seeing you having fun with your guns just never gets old :) And that smile in the beginning of the video :D

[@bigdjackdaniels]

I got one of those for Christmas when I was 12, had the same problem with the slide opening after every shot. Seemed when that happened, I had to shuck it twice to chamber a new round. Dad and took it back to the store he bought it at and I had to put another $14 toward an Ithaca 37. I still have the Ithaca, and I'm 52.

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

nice CONNECTICUT CITIZENS DEFENSE LEAGUE shirt!

[@rushedandlost]

I bought a w 1200 Defender in the mid 80s , Back then I could not afford more expensive shotguns. I have not felt the need for a different self defense shot gun , till now . I think I'll head out and look around for another s-d- shot gun to add to my collection. I really love the defender , thanks for the review,it brings back a lot of memories. Keep up the good work.

[@19580822]

I have a standard 1200 28" barrel with 5-shot tube, 1969. Same fore-end, stock, etc. Action still smooth as butter. My son recently bought a Mossy 590A1. It's nice, but I still prefer my Winny.

[@RedStacheRider]

My ol' mans gun is a Winchester 1300 XTR. He bought it new in 1979. I still shoot it today! Good Guns!

[@PlaylistsFromMars]

the blued finish looks really nice on it. wish more firearms were finished with bluing nowadays!

[@KB-eo9bu]

Had one at my GQ Station in the NAVY on my Ship in the 70'S! Great Shotgun!

[@aledrpepg]

*looks around* "anything else here need a slug?" Not only do you make a great video with plenty of shooting, also adding humor :D

[@koskey06]

So glad that a company like frederal took notice and made it possible for you to make these awesome videos with out breaking the bank. Well im sure you will just spend more on guns now lol.

[@wayne.herring26]

Just enhehrrited a 1200, she's a Bute and I love the history. I always enjoy your videos and opinions!

[@pvquaglia]

I have a late model Defender 1300. I believe the 1200 features the same rotary bolt design. When I bought the gun it was hi lighted as a "speed bolt". It's designed to start rearward motion of the action right after the gun fires to make follow up,shots faster. At the same time, it provides for exceptionally strong lock up as the bolt is attached firmly to the barrel with substantial lugs during ignition. I think that is why you are sensing that it is difficult to hold the action closed during firing. I agree it's a great shot gun.

[@theGuyWithTheGuns762]

I have a 1200 with a six position adjustable/side fold combo stock and a red dot sight. Shoots like a dream.

[@3.2Carrera]

I own all of the major pump shotguns and I do like the 1200/1300 series. When they were out, I didn't appreciate them but my mind has changed. Probably because back them I didn't break them down for cleaning.

[@meglowmaniac2089]

Love my 1200 !! Best scatter gun I've ever shot

[@kirsch1616]

Awesome shirt Hickok!! CT patriots love Hickok45!!

[@RushMayhemIV]

I'm in CT, we need help!

[@LostMyMojo100]

I have a 1300 defender and I love it...the action is butter....

[@noquartercompound8283]

I have the 1300 Defender , used it out and about on snakes ect but I have never shot it having fun like you did in this video. I'll try it!