American Classics

[Classic12]

Still confined here in Switzerland. I was fondling some guns, then I realised that in my mind those four really represent US small arms in a classic way, steel and wood

A pump action shotgun Winchester 1300 defender
A Winchester 1894 trapper lever action rifle
A classic revolver S&W 27
A classic semi auto handgun Colt Gvt Model series 70

[paknheat]

Really nice selection there. I really like that Smith revolver.


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[Aguila Blanca]

I like the Trapper carbine. Always have, always will.

[44 AMP]

As to being steel and wood "classics" I agree, and 3 of them are regarded as such in the US. The Winchester 1300, however, is not.

Also, its not in line with the design vintage of the other 3. The Winchester that belongs in that group is the Model 12 or the 1897.

I worked on the Model 1200 (in military service), which was touted as an "improvement" over the Model 12. It's not. The alloy triggerguard is notoriously fragile, and can break internally, allowing the safety button to fall out. The 1300 is a further development of the 1200, and I don't hold it in high regard.

Check that 1300 with a magnet, see if its "all steel" like the others in the group. I don't think it is.

otherwise, very nice group.

[Classic12]

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

As to being steel and wood "classics" I agree, and 3 of them are regarded as such in the US. The Winchester 1300, however, is not.

Also, its not in line with the design vintage of the other 3. The Winchester that belongs in that group is the Model 12 or the 1897.

I worked on the Model 1200 (in military service), which was touted as an "improvement" over the Model 12. It's not. The alloy triggerguard is notoriously fragile, and can break internally, allowing the safety button to fall out. The 1300 is a further development of the 1200, and I don't hold it in high regard.

Check that 1300 with a magnet, see if its "all steel" like the others in the group. I don't think it is.

otherwise, very nice group.

Thanks for info, I wasn’t aware of those facts. It’s the only shotgun I own so it went in the picture, I guess the idea was a pump shotgun, a lever action rifle, a 1911 and a .357 wheel gun.

[Aguila Blanca]

A "real American classic" shotgun might arguably be double barreled coach gun. Or maybe a Roper 4-shot repeater.

[mk70ss]

Can’t argue with a single pick of yours, all beautiful, all classic.

[DaleA]

The Winchester that belongs in that group is the Model 12 or the 1897.

Yup, have to agree with this.

I'm on the fence about the S&W model 27 (a beautiful gun). The 27 and the Colt Python are both incredibly nice revolvers but they are the top-of-the-line guns and maybe, just maybe, one of the lower priced revolvers from either of the two manufacturers could be a "better" example.

That said, I've seen your Python pictures and other gun pictures and really admire your collection and your photo expertise to get such nice pictures out of a cell phone camera.

Good luck, I've really enjoyed your posts.

[44 AMP]

Thanks for info, I wasn’t aware of those facts. It’s the only shotgun I own so it went in the picture, ...

I figured you put it in the pick because it was what you had...

Considering some of the other fine guns you've shown us, you really should look into getting a Winchester Model 12 (or a 97) for your collection. A 1950s-70s vintage Remington 870 Wingmaster wouldn't be out of place, either.

Just some fyi, in the 70s, the US military used 2 shotguns (in riot gun configuration) The Marines used the Rem 870 and the Army used the Win 1200.

This is where I developed my "lack of respect" for the Win 1200. I was a small arms repairman, trained to work on both guns. I also owned a Model 12 and an 870. The 1200, and as far as I'm concerned, developments from the 1200 just fall short of Model 12 or the 870.

[mpescatori]

I like the choice of these four guns, with the proviso that the Winchester 1200 represents the "pump action shotgun" principle, rather than the model itself.

Similarly, I would have imagined the Colt SAA in .45LC a more representative revolver than the S&W Mod.27 (or 28 for that matter)

Or maybe the S&W Mod.19?

Or maybe the Colt Detective Special?

See the kind of mess we've got ourselves into?

[Hal]

Re. a "Classic" shotgun.

I could make a very good case for the Itaca 37.

[jmr40]

While a good functional shotgun I'd not consider the 1300 as a classic. But no argument on the other 3. All are nice guns.

[chuck jones]

Have the same set, but my '94 is a rifle and I'd have to substitute a 6.5 inch Mod 24 for the Mod. 27.

...and by the way, that's the nicest wood I've ever seen on a 1300 Defender

[ThomasT]

I worked on the Model 1200 (in military service), which was touted as an "improvement" over the Model 12. It's not. The alloy triggerguard is notoriously fragile, and can break internally, allowing the safety button to fall out. The 1300 is a further development of the 1200, and I don't hold it in high regard.

Well thanks a lot. You just rained on my Parade. Lol.

Just kidding. But I do have two winny 1200s, one in 20 and one in 12ga and both have been 100% reliable. And I bought extra barrels for both and had them cut down to 19" and new beads installed. I can't say I have shot thousands of rounds through them but I have shot several hundred rounds.

I had my grandfathers worn out model 12 that would no longer lock up because the top notch in the receiver was battered out of shape. Everyone makes such a big deal out of having two action bars but that highly regarded model 12 only had one action bar and it was also worn. No gunsmith could repair it so I sold it for parts. I think I will just continue to like and enjoy my 1200 shotguns.