Manufactured during the late 1960s to mid 1970s as one of many commercial Winchester Model 1200 shotguns purchased by U.S. Ordnance, mounted with a heat shield and bayonet lug, and marked with "U.S." stamps. By the time that the majority of these shotguns were delivered to the U.S. military the Vietnam War was coming to a close, with very few believed to have made it in time to see use during the conflict, and were subsequently utilized by U.S. personal in Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Most were destroyed after service, leading to their scarcity today, with sparse government records of contract deliveries. Refer to pages 177-180 of "Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns" by Bruce Canfield for further pictures and details on the U.S. Winchester Model 1200 and similar shotguns. Features a steel bead front sight on the six-hole pattern heat shield with a bayonet lug sized for the M1917 pattern bayonet (marked "11686389" on the left with three securing screws), a 20-inch barrel with "U.S." marked on the left side above the standard markings (2 3/4 inch chamber, marked "CYL" for cylinder choke), Winchester circled "W/P" factory proofs on the barrel and receiver, along with "U.S." marked on the receiver under the serial number. Fitted with a smooth walnut forearm and a replacement walnut stock with a 14 3/8 inch length of pull and "BOYD" marked ribbed polymer buttplate. Includes a M1 pattern nylon sling.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished, retaining 95% parkerized and 90% grey finishes with some light edge wear on the receiver, minor slide wear on the tube, some thinning on the trigger guard, and some light handling marks. The furniture is also very fine with some scattered light scrapes. Mechanically excellent. Overall a very attractive example of a scarce U.S. marked Winchester Model 1200 trench shogun!