Sears/Winchester 12ga

[potmetal]

I was at a shop yesterday and gave in to temptation. They had a Sears model 300 semi auto, which is actually a Win. 1400. It had a nice checkered stock, clean bore, 26in. barrel, a poly choke, and seemed to work smooth and slick.
It had been there awhile and I got them to go down to $150 on it. At that price, I figured I couldn't go wrong.
I have 2 questions, first, I've since read mixed reviews on the 1400. Is there anything I need to keep an eye on with this gun? Are there known weaknesses or problem parts? Are parts hard to find for it?
2nd, right above the factory stampings that tell the gauge and choke, near the receiver, there is a deep stamp in the barrel with the letters "LP". Any significance to that, or just random stamping?
Thanks.

 

[chas08]

I've since read mixed reviews on the 1400. Is there anything I need to keep an eye on with this gun?

You will read mixed reviews on just about any gun, so don't let that bother you too much. I have a good friend who has had one for the better part of thirty years with no serious troubles that I know of, and in my presence, it has been extremely reliable. So much so, that a few years ago I ran across one much like you did, so I bought it. I've had zero troubles so far. Enjoy your new purchase.

 

[potmetal]

Thank you.

 

[chas08]

I particularly like the C-Lect choke for hunting late season Whitwing Doves. When they tend to fly higher and keep their distance, you can be ready for any distance shot in about three clicks of the friction collar. Be careful not to overtighten the choke beyond its marked settings. I have heard of blowing a leaf off of the restriction collet caused by doing so.

I might also add that in my opinion, they are one of the easiest on the shoulder 12ga guns I have ever fired, and they aren't real finicky toward ammo. Mine reliably cycles everything from 3dram-1oz on up.

I think a large portion of their negative press is due to the aluminum reciever and the belief that they won't go a hundred thousand rounds like some other semi-autos. Mine will never see close to that kind of round count. My buddies I'm sure has seen in the low tens of thousands, since it was his only shotgun for 20+years and still is his favorite. I think they are a great gun for the money they can be had for. Especially if you can find a lightly used, well cared for, one like mine.

 

[rcmodel]

deep stamp in the barrel with the letters "LP".

Final Proof Mark.

Winchester used a W with a P on top of it, inside an oval, as thier proof-mark.
Sure that isn't what it is?

rc

 

[potmetal]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the good info. I've always had good luck with Win. shotguns. I had a model 50 that I should never have sold. It's supposed to rain all weekend, but if I get a break, I'll try to get it out to the range.
RCModel, The PW, in an oval, is closer to the top of the barrel. This is a deeper stamp, and the letters are bigger then everything else. It's stamped, L P , just like that. It may be nothing, just wondering.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I've had 2 winchester 1400s never a hicup from either one,both fixed chokes, only thing you could do to improve it would be a variable choke, I should a got a SEARS!