Can you use steel shot in a Winchester Model 120 shotgun?

Answer 1

Hi,

I have owned an operated a 120 for about 22 years and they are awesome and are very dependable shotguns. I purchased mine from Smoke and Gun in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-Microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Waukegan</st1:City> <st1:State w:st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> in 1986 for the upcoming deer season. They are a variant of the Model 1200 and are exactly the same gun as the model 1300 only the stock and fore grip are made of hardwood and the 1300 had Birch or Walnut or a Synthetic stock. As far as a manual you can get a manual at came with mine was a 1300 Manual and you can get one form WWW.Reapeatingarms.com for free. It takes about 2 weeks for them to get it to you. It is very informative for cleaning and care of your shotgun. There are a few fixed choke versions but the 28 inch vent ribbed barrel was a standard barrel for the 120 and steel shot could be used in it. Although most were sold as combos that came with a smoothbore slug barrel with rifled sights as well as the 28 inch vent ribbed. However a small amount of them had a smoothbore slug barrel that was able to except chokes like mine. These barrels are 22 inches long and have rifled sights and came with an X-Long, X- Full Turkey Choke as well as a Rifled Slug tube. To shoot slugs in the 28 inch barrel use rifled slugs or Foster slugs as they are known and use the Improved Cylinder choke in the barrel. Never try a tighter choke than the improved cylinder. For about $45.00 you can purchase a rifled choke tube from WWW.WHOLESALEHUNTER.COM that is a Winchoke and then you can shoot Sabot slugs. But remember your barrel is smoothbore and only the 2 3/4 inch slug tube is rifled. You will get better accuracy from a slug tube than a smoothbore but not as good a fully rifled barrel. This is because when the shell is fired it gains speed going down the smoothbore barrel than when it gets to they choke they have a tendency to skid a little on the rifling. Because they skid the slug never gets the real twist it needs before exiting the barrel. However they will shoot straighter than a rifled slug and fly true further. Speaking of barrels a 120 or a 1300 barrel will fit each other plus a 1200. However a 1200 barrel only fits another 1200. And the 1300 model defender 18 inch barrels will fit only a defender due the magazine length. I have seen them mounted though but you have to purchase a special magazine extension. Model 140's and 1400 are semi autos and will also work with each other but not on pump shotguns. If you look on eBay it is still possible to get a rifled slug barrel new for a 1300 from some dealers for as low a $250.00 although before I would buy one I would buy a 5 inch slug tube from www.Hastings.com for about $60.00 and use it. <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hastings</st1:place></st1:City> has never made a paradox barrel for the shotgun although they did make one for the Model 12 shotguns. There is also a nice 24" turkey barrel available for the 1300 that will fit. The stocks for the 1200 and 1300 will fit the 120 but the fore grips are different. Because the 120 has shorter breach slides on it like a older Model 12 shotgun. I like mine that way because it is harder to short shuck it and that could cost you a tasty critter. The 120 I own has been flawless for me. I have taken more deer than the number of years I have owned it. I have taken Pheasants and Ducks and Geese and even a Wild Bore in <st1:State w:st="on">Arkansas</st1:State> near the <st1:place w:st="on">White River</st1:place> with it. I sold an 870 in order to buy it because the 870 had a problem with different types of shells. Some would work perfect and some were horrible in the 870. It was shocking actually since it was a top grade Wingmaster and not a cheaper express version. The <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Winchester</st1:place></st1:City> 120 is the fastest pump I have ever seen and works well with everything brand of shell I ever tried. I have used in snow and rain and even carried it out of a muddy field or two and when I got home I cleaned it and it still looks great. Always clean the barrel with the slug tube in it the soft bristles can come off and lodge in the threads. And always make sure your choke is in tight before using it. If you don't you could damage the barrel because this is the thinnest part of the barrel. Many of my friends have switched to the 1300 after trying the 120 out. And many of them prefer the 120's hardwood stock I have. These shotguns were only made for a couple of years and were targeted at the police departments and military sells. Surprisingly a lot of them made it into the general public sells as entry level shotguns. There were only 1500 of them ever made a lot of people consider them to be valuable. I read an article that said they are worth $2000 to a collector if they are in new condition. The article said that, they were made in 12, 16 and 20 gauges. There were a few made in a ladies or youth version but had to be special ordered. However I feel like a 1957 Chevy, they are only worth what you can get for them. When you call the folks at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Winchester</st1:City></st1:place> the shotgun is so obscure there not much info was saved. And there is nothing they can really tell you about it. In fact I have told you more than anyone else probably ever will about them. If you have any other questions about the 120 email me at zmopar1@yahoo.com my name is Pete and I will try to get you an answer. Good luck you have a fine shotgun!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-Microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

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Remember never drink down stream from a herd or look straight up at a bird!

Answer 2

Cant say specifically for that model but in most cases the barrels would need to be chrome lined and all manufacturers that i know of state not to use steel shot with more than 3/4 choke. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I would say NO. Full choke it TOO tight for steel shot and you should never use any thing more that modified.