New 1400 MKII - Any 1400 Experts?

[nollsp]

Well, my LONG search for an auto has finally ended...I found one.

I am getting back into skeet after a VERY long hiatus. I found out that shooting 6 boxes of shells through my Wingmaster 12 left my arm less than functional. I picked up a couple of auto 20's recently and could not believe what a beautiful thing it was to shoot a "girls" gun...

So the search began...

After scouring EVERY pawn shop (why do only 1/10 pawnshops carry guns anymore) all the big box stores and specialty stores, I was disgusted by the lack of choice in 20 gauge. Most of the sales reps give you a "why do you want a girls gun fella, get a 12 like 99% of the rest of the world..." look.

I had pretty much settled on a Browning Gold...a big chain here had them for $750 and my wife gave the nod.

However, before I committed, there was local gunshow that I thought I would run down to and check out what they had...and my son wanted to see what a gun show was like.

After browsing around for 30 minutes and picking up all the clapped out autos, I found a cherry 1400, 20 with a 28" and winchokes. I have to tell you, if it were in a rack, it could have passed for new. I almost didnt turn the price tag around as a few other cherry autos were priced int he stratosphere...but this one had $250 scribbled on it.

Put it to the shoulder and swung it around a bit and realized I had found my gun. I have had my Wingmaster my entire life and anything else feels odd to me...this little 1400 felt GOOD!

Stripped it down a bit right there at the table and a buddy of mine joined me and scrutinized it...after he pronounced it sqeaky clean and had maybe 3-4 boxes of ammo fed through it...a few minutes later, I ad him down a bit with free tax and we started the paperwork.

So...

I know the 1400 isn't something folks are going to ooo and ah over, but if there are any 1400 experts out there...shoot me the 411 on this little gun. I am a form over function guy so as long as it cycles reliably I will be happy.

I figured this was a mid 80's gun as it looked so clean and the original stock and blue looked like new...I was stunned to find out the gun was as old as I am. I found the MKIII was only made between 68-72...is that right? The diesgn looks pretty modern to me.

Anything at all to watch out for? This thing has VERY low rounds through it. First thing will be a good teardown (I found the manual here on THR, thanks!). Anything in the gas system that needs particular attention?

I am amazed that this little gun did not take off. The gas system is stupid simple...the only thing I can think of is it had to compete with the 1100 (which I also own). I assume it was just outclassed?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good gun, enjoy...

The 1400 lost some style points following the X1. The X1 had and has a cult following similar to the folks who like Model 12s.

The 1400 also had to deal with the 1100's competition. Saleswise, the 1100 ate the 1400's lunch, along with everyone else's.

I know little about them myself, but I shoot with a guy with a couple in 12 gauge. He's quite happy with them.

Nu Line and Simmons carry parts, IIRC.

 

[sm]

I found a cherry 1400, 20 with a 28" and winchokes.

Congrats on a great gun!

1400 is the softest shooting semi-auto shotgun- period!

The 20 ga is one of the best shotguns a new shooter can learn on, if it fits them, and affords them the ablity to shoot both 12 ga and 20 ga events.

Win-Chokes, being externally knurled protect the muzzle from dings.
Another thing most folks do not realize, is how Win designed those chokes, while they are not like other chokes longer and all, the Win Choke was really thought out and it coupled with the Win barrel, from chamber to muzzle end, throws some great patterns!

Get the Skeet choke.
Get all 4, SK,IC,M, F.

I prefer 28" bbls, and do not let anyone tell you that 20 ga with a 2 3/4" chamber, 28" bbl with the Win-Choke, restricted by design to 3 shells total is not a serious shotgun.
It is.
I know for a fact it has stopped a serious threat, and more than once.

I have, and countless have and still use that exact set up, for a home gun.
General purpose shotgun for skeet, 5 stand, sporting clays, hunting and home use.

Nu-Line has part and Simmons as well as Dave said, get extra screws and that "kick" ( forget what Win calls it) that is inside, the left side of receiver.
That screw can sometimes work loose, best to have a spare, and clear nail polish is "poor man's loctite" allowing that screw to be removed if need - while keeping it snug.

You will never lose a bolt handle on a 1400 in a duck blind, dove field or anywhere else...*wink*