Have one w-18" bbl, wood stocks. Pretty gun, got it as new from a local shop. I gave it (and my shoulder) a serious workout today with slugs, both lighter loads and 3" magnums. I'm a pistol enthusiast and am kind of green about shotgun makes, models etc. Is the 1200 series Winchester considered a tank like the Rem 870 or did I push it with the magnums today. Was fun though, I have a nice bruise to prove it...

You didn't hurt the gun.

You might find the reduced recoil rounds more to your liking. I found some 00 Buck loads the other day that are regular velocity, but 6 instead of 9 pellets. On the slugs I like the 1 oz or less slugs at standard velocity.

I don't have to deal with rampaging brown bears in these parts, so I leave the 3" mag slugs for those folks that need them.

Fine gun. I doubt you harmed it as much as it harmed you?
What M-1 said above. The 3" stuff is unnecessary for mere mortals using two legs.

I have had a 1200 since 62 or 63 and it is still working fine.

Yes....and that comes from someone who thinks the sun rises and sets on the 870.

Brian~

Pumps are for sissies, semi-autos are for turkeys. To see this turkey get beat-up by a semi, check this out on you-tube.

YouTube - Shotgun pistol drill

That bit of staggering was me at a "Tactical Shotgun Class".

I will now assume another user name : )

My win. 1200 only has a 2 3/4 chamber, It was bought new about 1977
maybe the defender is different, but I would double check.

vic3620