Model 1400 Questions

[gage739]

I just bought a Winchester Model 1400 from a pawn shop. It looked like a good starter gun for trap shooting and plinking in general. The only problem is it didn't come with a manual or box or anything. Does anybody know where I can find some information on the rifle? I want to find out how old it is for one, and I would like a manual, specifically a takedown manual. Finally, anyone have any input on the quality of these guns?

 

[krimmie]

Here's the manual in pdf format.

http://stevespages.com/pdf/winchester_1400_winchester.pdf

 

[gage739]

Thanks a lot man...That was exactly what I was looking for...

 

[RUT]

>>Does anybody know where I can find some information on the rifle?<<

Rifle.....

 

[MCgunner]

Heh, last time I looked down my 12 gauge 1400's barrel, it lacked rifling. Gonna be hard to shoot trap and skeet with a slug gun.

IMHO, you have one of the all around BEST semi auto shotguns ever built for a price point. I got mine new in the late 80s and it's been taking game ever since. It absorbs recoil so efficiently, it feels like a 20 gauge. Don't feed it underpowered ammo. It requires game loads to function 100 percent. I find 1 ounce Winchester superspeed works pretty well, but that promotional dove load stuff at Wallyworld will choke a few times a box. I like to pull off the barrel and clean the gas piston after every hunt, too, to keep things clean. It can get incredibly gummy in there, though I went a full season one year without cleaning the gas piston/cylinder one year without a problem. But, GOD, what a mess when I did clean it up!

 

[Leedavisone]

My 1400

The Winchester is a great shotgun, but I am at a disadvantage, for that is all I have ever owned... I bought it new in 1968ish, and have hunted quail and dove out here in New Mexico for years. I've never had any complaints or worries. I want to get a pump one of these days though...

 

[MCgunner]

I want to get a pump one of these days though...

Why?

 

[IfYouOnlyKnew]

Winchester 1400 20 ga question. I have one from the mid to late 70's, I think. Good condition, cleaned by a gunsmith several years ago. Was used for clay/dove shooting mostly. Light duty overall, it has sat in the closet since the trip to the gunsmith so I'd say it is in good working order. Will this shotgun handle #3 buckshot? It was fed 7 1/2 birdshot most of the time but I would like something heavier in case of a HD situation. Just a general question as I know it would be hard to offer an opinion without direct examination. I have searched all the relevant threads and one poster stated that #3 buck was fine. Opinions? I will probably have it inspected again locally before trying that shell but wanted to know what those here would say. Thanks.

 

[HuntAndFish]

Will this shotgun handle #3 buckshot?

Yes, as long as EITHER the barrel choke isn't full or the buckshot isn't steel (ie; don't shoot steel shot through a full choke in that gun). Even then it will be okay, but you risk bulging the barrel at the choke if you do it (it's safe, but will ruin the choke).

That gun was built before steel shot was a requirement for some hunting so the barrel wasn't really designed to shoot steel shot through a tight choke. Chokes that are open more than full haven't been a problem with steel shot though.

Otherwise, #3 buckshot (or any size buckshot) is fine.