Winchester 1200

[JonahG]

Im looking for a beater gun, have many nice shotguns and want one for my son.
Ive never owned this model, and am trying to decide between it or a Remington 870 Wingmaster, which I had as a kid.
What are Ya'lls opinion of the Winchester? I found one for about $200 which is very nice.
Yes, or spend double that on the 870?

Thanks

[Echo Hill Kennel]

I have owned my Winchester 1200 20g for over 35 years "Yikes" of course it was my main gun as a young 14 year old but it still works fine today. Only thing you have to watch is mine will not shoot the low brass shells, shoots the high brass fine.
With that being said I would still look at the 870 because they still make them today and parts are easy to find.

Have fun hunting with your son and creating life long memories!

[JonahG]

I have owned my Winchester 1200 20g for over 35 years "Yikes" of course it was my main gun as a young 14 year old but it still works fine today. Only thing you have to watch is mine will not shoot the low brass shells, shoots the high brass fine.
With that being said I would still look at the 870 because they still make them today and parts are easy to find.

Have fun hunting with your son and creating life long memories!

Thank you.
That is the plan...get him out and away from video games!
Maybe the 870 is the better way to go, and deep down I knew that, didnt know parts were no longer made for 1200.
Good to know.

[P&PGunsmith]

You can still get parts for the 1200 but i would go with 870.

[rinker]

I have no idea how old, or big your son is. My son was on the smallish side and he never could shoot a pump. I bought him a youth model 870, and even though the stock was short he really couldn't reach the fore end. I ended up buying him a used off brand gas operated auto, and then eventually upgraded to a used o/u. He won a 12 and under skeet shoot about a week before his 9th birthday. He never could shoot that 870, however.

[Retiredbirddogman]

I go with the 870, because of the sentimental value it can have for your son. Later he will be able to say he started with the same gun his father did. Either gun would serve the purpose for shooting.

[birddog1968]

Ive got a 1200 and a 1300, flawless field guns so far for many many seasons. wouldn't own a remington product but thats just me......

[Mountaineer]

A Winchester 1200 will always be a Winchester 1200....your choice.

[markj]

I busted me a 1200 once. Racked the slide too hard my dad said cause them 2 bars run up the barrell came loose from the round piece goes around the barreell. so we brazed it together and I had no issues from then on. Gave it to a friend and he still hunts with it. Was a cheap gun back in the day. I would go with a wingmaster any day over a 1200 but thats just me.