Reading a Winchester S/N...

**bkmeis** · December 15th, 2012, 11:32 PM

I just purchased a Winchester 1200 12g shotgun. The serial number is 1B2747. I can find no information about year of manufacture or even other 1200's with such a s/n. I've tried the usual locations (Win Dates of Manufacture, Gun-Data.com, Proofhouse). Does anyone have any information that may be helpful?

**M&P Chris** · December 16th, 2012, 03:21 AM

The model 1200 was produced 1964-83. The 1200 took place of the model 12. Around 1964 winchester was going through some inside changes.

I'll take a look at some of my Madis books and see what else I can give.

**bkmeis** · December 16th, 2012, 11:22 AM

Thanks M&P Chris. I appreciate any S/N info you can share.

**RLS** · December 16th, 2012, 10:59 PM

Looking at Winchester's web page (1200 production dates are on page 35, last page): http://www.winchesterguns.com/suppor...-Documents.pdf

Are you certain that you have the correct number? Coud the 1 be an L and the B an 8? A 1200 made in 1974 would fit in if it is L82747.

Rick

**bkmeis** · December 25th, 2012, 09:56 AM

Thanks RLS. The gun has not arrived from the seller yet. I will take a investigative look at it upon arrival and confirm. I will follow up.

Merry Christmas to all.

**bkmeis** · January 11th, 2013, 01:58 PM

I finally got the Win 1200 today. Apparently the seller was not able to read what is a very clear s/n 182747. The Gun is in excellent shape and has very nice design/checkering. Will give it a thorough functions check before firing. I haven't looked up the manufacturing date yet, but it should be relatively cut/dry now the s/n mystery is resolved. Thanks for your assistance.

**RLS** · January 12th, 2013, 01:13 AM

So, you don't know what year it was produced, but you can eliminate the years 1972 thru 1992. Some time in the 1964-1971 range.

Rick

**bkmeis** · January 12th, 2013, 09:23 PM

Correct, RLS. And what I am reading is data for the early years of this model is not available. That is too bad if that is true. I have info for my 1890 at 108 years old, but cannot access data that is less than half that old by the same company (of course ownership may have changed).

**RLS** · January 13th, 2013, 12:45 AM

Thank you for the follow-up. It is a shame that no information available for such a recent manufacture.

Rick

**bkmeis** · January 14th, 2013, 09:25 PM

The last page of this Winchester S/N Log states model 1200 production began in 1964 starting at S/N 100,000. However those records are no longer available.