These were the standard commercial Winchester Model 1200 shotguns produced during the late 1960s and early-mid 1970s that were purchased and adapted for the military by adding a bayonet lug/heat shield to the barrel and U.S. marked. By the time most of these were delivered to the U.S. Military, the Vietnam War was nearing its end and very few are believed to have made it overseas to Southeast Asia. Some of these remained in service and saw use in Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most were destroyed after their service, lending to their scarcity today, with sparse government records of contract deliveries. The barrel is equipped with a six hole pattern heat shield with the bayonet lug attachment on the front end that is secured to the barrel with three screws. The bayonet lug on this shotgun is sized for the M1917 bayonet, which remained in service through the time this gun would have been in use. The barrel is marked as cylinder choke and a 2 3/4 inch chamber, with "U.S." above the standard markings, and the alloy frame is marked "U.S." on the underside below the serial number. Fitted with an extended forearm and pistol grip stock with a Boyd branded hard rubber buttplate. 14 inch length of pull. Includes a canvas sling. Winchester Model 1200 trench and riot shotguns as well as similar examples are pictured on pages 177-180 of "Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns" by Bruce Canfield. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine, retaining 90% plus arsenal parkerized finish with some scattered light handling marks, bright edge wear on the receiver, some areas of blue/black anodized finish showing underneath on the trigger guard and loading gate. Wood is also very fine with some scattered light scratches and handling marks on the forearm, a hairline crack on the left rear of the forearm, and crisp defined edges. Mechanically excellent.