Winchester 1200 3" conversion?

[Mentokk1]

If a winchester 1200 12ga with a 2 3/4 chamber barrel is replaced with a 3" barrel and the ejection port lengthend by 1/4 inch will it safley fire 3" shells? Keep in mind that the rotary bolt lock-up makes this a strong action. And don't say somthing like go buy a rem 870 instead. The winchester 1200 is just as good as the 870. Mine has been used and abused for 36 years never having to replace one part and it functions flawlessly. Most of the 1200 hate I hear comes from pompous 870 owners who have never owned a 1200. Thank You.

 

[Fred Fuller]

I don't know if it's possible or not.

But I'd bet you could buy a good used 1300 that can fire 3" shells for less $$$ and hassle than it would cost to buy a barrel with a 3" chamber and get the conversion done.

 

[rule303]

You can replace the barrel with a 3" from a 1200 or 1300. Fire away, you shouldn't have to modify the receiver.

 

[Mentokk1]

As it turns out I already have 2 1300 barrels. One for deer and the other a field barrel. The field barrel is on my 1200 right now I just never tried shooting 3" shells cause I assumed It needed modifying.

 

[Dave McCracken]

" ...pompous 870 owners who have never owned....

Not here,Mentokk. Not pompous, not into macho posturing or brand bashing.

The 1200 has always pointed well for me, and if my 870s are preferred by me, so be it.

As for your query,see if the other barrels fit and try things out....

 

[Black Knight]

I have a 1200 that I converted to a tactical shotgun a number of years ago. The barrel swap can be done with no problem. The ejection port may be another story. If done improperly it won't be safe. I believe the receiver for the 1300 was lengthened for this. In addition to opening the port the bolt may need to be changed out. I am not sure of this so I am just guessing. Either way I would not do it.

 

[7.62 Nato]

I have a 1200 Defender that is made for 2 3/4", & 3" shells. I had a 1300 that I believe was also for both. I'm not sure how you could tell if the receiver was originally standard or magnum other that contacting Winchester.

 

[Burt Blade]

I have owned both a 1200 and 1300. My 1200 had a light alloy receiver. I "could" put a 1300 3" barrel on it, but that does not equal "should".

I believe the 1200s like mine were not designed for the increased energy of the longer shells. If you have to open your ejection port to fit, there is probably a reason why they made it not fit 3" shells.

 

[skl1]

Mentokk1,

I've got a Winchester Ranger 120, which I believe was between the 1200 and 1300. I use a 1300 slug barrel on it (but it was a 3" gun). Badger Barrels used to make slug barrels for all the shotguns. They restructured a couple years ago, but the guy who owned it was very sharp on the dimensioning and differences between various actions. Might call and see if you can get help there.

I think the rotary bolt has enough lug bearing area to handle rearward bolt thrust, which is where actions have to be strong enough. Look at Lilja's barrel page for the calculations on this. The barrel's made for 3" so it'll handle the hoop stress of the 3" shell. I think I'd worry about whether the elevator will reliably feed the shells from the tube magazine (or if they'll get stuck). Also, whether the bolt pulls back far enough to let the fired shell eject, even if you cut the window 1/4" wider. You might try cycling the longer shell (with the barrel off). You also might pop a 3" empty onto the bolt face, retract it, and see where it leaves the front edge WRT to forward edge of the ejection port.

But I'd also ask Badger Barrels if you decide you'd like to do it. Or might call Hastings.

HTH,
Steve

 

[Mentokk1]

Well it that doesn`t work I was thinking about modifying my marlin 336 to shoot .375 remington ultra magnum shells!!

 

[Virginian]

The pressures involved from 3" shells are no greater than those from 2-3/4" shells. If you don't believe me, go look up SAAMI's specs. The physical size is the issue, and that includes the barrel thickness if you lengthen the chamber and get into thinner wall territory. A rotary bolt is no stronger than any other system designed to take the forces; just a different method, and it results in a longer action. I did not heretofore consider myself a pompous 870 owner, although I would never own a 1200. Winchester thought so much of it themselves they quickly upgraded the design to the 1300.

 

[Mentokk1]

Im not trying to lengthen the chamber i already have a 1300 barrel on it. And the reason I said it was a strong action is since it locks up directly to the barrel there is very litttle stress on the reciever so even if a 3" shell did produce more pressure (i was under the impression that it did) the reciever strength would not be a factor.

 

[Virginian]

An 870 locks the bolt to the barrel, too, as does a Mossberg. In fact I can't think of one that does not. Aluminum receivered pumps and semi autos couldn't exist if they didn't.
I am not familiar with a 1200. Look at the ejector. On an 870 the only difference between a regular and a 3" is the ejector, and the ejector is not part of the barrel, so while a 3" barrel will fit and fire safely, it may not eject. Try a spent 3" hull in your gun and see if it ejects. If the barrel fits and 3" hulls eject, you should be good to go.