A friend of mine recently purchased a Winchester model 120 pump on which the action flys open after each shot.
Could this be a case of someone breaking it down and not putting back together correctly? or is it a sign of something more serious?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

The gun won't fire unless it's in battery and locked. The disconnector physically blocks the bolt from moving when the hammer is cocked. It, like all other current pump guns, are designed to open immediately after each shot. The forward movement of the hammer pulls the disconnector down and out of the way of the bolt, allowing it to open. Usually ones hand is on the forend which helps control the speed at which it opens. The old Winchester Mod 12 required the shooters hand to move forward to unlock, but not the Mod 120.

So is it normal for the bolt to fly open on its own after the shot is fired?
This seems odd to me and frankly unsafe.

quote:

Originally posted by bucko:
So is it normal for the bolt to fly open on its own after the shot is fired?
This seems odd to me and frankly unsafe.

Depends on what the word "fly" means. If the shooter is pulling back on the forend when he touches it off, it will open. The more he pulls on it, the faster it will open. Too me, it would be dangerous if the shot column were still in the barrel when it opened. If you or your friend are that concerned, then take it to a gunsmith who can actually handle the gun. Without seeing and handling the gun, it's pretty tough to tell based on an internet description.

I believe Winchester called this their "speed action" and used to advertized it that way. Not all M1200s will open like this. It seems to be safe enough since it has to be fully locked before it can fire. Bill

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Meyer:
I believe Winchester called this their "speed action" and used to advertized it that way. Not all M1200s will open like this. It seems to be safe enough since it has to be fully locked before it can fire. Bill

I have customers who compete in 3 gun competitions who pay good money to have their pump guns open quick.

short reply--- yes, the speed action is designed to do this.

I get 1/2 dozen customers a year who think their shotgun needs fixing for this condition. Worst/Best was an old Beretta Silver Pigeon. I actually went out an found another one to prove to the customer that I had not screwed up his shotgun after refinishing the stocks.

I have the same experience as Mike. Customers complaining when their Winchester pump opens on firing, but that is what it is designed to do. On Winchester's website they call it "recoil assisted opening". Sell it and buy an 870.