Question for SM re: Winchester 1400

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TX1911fan

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Sorry to use an open forum for this question, but I couldn't figure out how to send sm a private message.

I just bought a Winchester 1400 for my kids to use, largely on your recommendation as a soft shooting shotgun. It is, of course, used. I have cleaned it up and it appears that it will work well, although it doesn't have a carrier release and I can't see where it is supposed to fit. To release the bolt, I have to push in the magazine follower with my thumb. I assume I will have to push in on the round in the magazine when it is loaded. Is this normal for early 1400s?

Also, do you know how I can tell how old this thing is? It does not say MkII. It has a serial number of 181, xxx. Thanks.

Of course, if anyone else can opine on these quesions, feel free.
 
I have the 1400 manual, but it doesn't say anything about the bolt release. Thanks for the assistance, though.

About the age. Anyway I can find out when it was made?
 
You need to use the round to push the release in as you slide to shell in. Once you get it down its pretty seemless.
 
Just by the description you are giving and assuming I am hearing you correctly...

Fact 1: The bolt release on a 1400 "IS" at the beginning of the magazine as you describe. You push on the tab that is the thicker piece of black material at the beginning of the magazine. That thicker piece "IS" the bolt release.

Fact 2: I have seen Winny 1400's with the bolt release broken.

I don't know if I am helping you or not. I hope you get it figured out.
 
TX1911fan,

Call Nu_Line guns out of Harvester, Missouri, I bet they can give you year of mfg.
They are great folks btw and know about Winchesters even 1400s

Milkmaster, and romeo212000 have passed on great information to you and I am most appreciative for them chiming in.
 
Here are a few pictures of my Winchester. They are of the end of the magazine and the shell carrier. I've tried to highlight where I have to push to release the bolt. Is this normal, or has my release been broken? Thanks for all the help guys.

boltreleaseiiri2.jpg


boltreleasezv6.jpg


boltreleaseivhl2.jpg
 
Hi There,

I believe your 1400 is missing a button that is usually there to push to release. My S.O. has a 1400 I shoot when my 1100 is out of commission (like right now because I am having a wire installed on the barrel) I am not sure given the age of your gun is that button is supposed to be there, but on the S,O,'s it's there. His 1400 is a mid 70's model.

By the way, he says the 1400 can not take the beating of the trap shooting I do for extended periods of time. I am assuming your kids are NOT clays shooting? I will try to take a picture of the button and send it.

I did not take a picture but I found this one. You can see the button on the bottom right side of the picture.

Calliope.
Group_Semi_1400__Winchester_5_.JPG
 
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Ok, got the S.O. on the phone and here's the answer to all your problems

If it does not say MKII or MarkII on the side of the receiver then then pushing the "follower" where you put the shell underneath is what you have to do. So I was partially correct. Keep your fingers away from the slide while you are pushing it**. Everything is located underneath just behind the forend wood.

**Note this is probably the reason why *I* have never seen the one he has that is NOT marked MarkII. Because *I* would surely loose a finger, or a portion thereof.

Re: the comment about not using this gun for clay shooting as it can not take the beating, replacement parts are very difficult to find and Winchester no longer supports the 1400. The S.O. has guns he purchased for parts.
 
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Yeah, this is not a MK II, so I guess this is the way I do it. Thanks guys.
 
Actually the difference is when the guns were made. The older ones do not have the button. Some of the newer ones do. You have one of the older ones.
 
Your photos look a lot like the Winchester model 50 which I believe was it's predesessor. Maybe some of the early 1400's were the same way. I've had association with a model 50 and the little half moon indentation fits the end of your thumb real nice. And it doesn't take much force to close the bolt. Or you could drop one in the open port and use a shell to close the bolt.
 
My brother has my 20ga 140 which is an economy version of the 1400. I was going to send you a picture, but I can't get hold of him readily. The one I have has even a different "button" than what you see pictured above. Mine is , dare I say it..."plastic!" It is just a squared off tab that sticks down a little below the mag entrance like the one you see already posted. The plastic ones are the only ones I have seen broken off. The metal tabs seem to always be in place when I look at 1400's at gun shows etc.
 
Looking to buy a 1400

I have posted in the past, but I am looking to buy a 1400 in decent shape. I LOVE shooting the 1400 for trap, but the one I shoot belongs to the significant other and it's his duck gun. So he would prefer I didn't use it for trap often.

I am looking for one in decent shape. I don't have a ton of money for this, but it's my understanding that a good one shouldn't be more than $275-$300.

Thanks in advance!

Calli
 
Calliope, gun broker has some more on there, but they are a little more than your price range. I shot this gun today and it was fantastic, but I'm sad to say that I have to get better at shooting with an IM choke. I was pretty rusty. Relying too much on my open chokes. It shoots so soft though. My only regret is that with the long barrel and chunky fore end it is a little too heavy for my daughter right now, so she is shooting my O/U with Fiochi traning loads.
 
Look around for a Ted Williams Model 300. It is a Winchester 1400 with the Sears Roebuck name stamped on the barrel. I picked mine up for $150. First shotgun ever owned by me.
 
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