The TED WILLIAMS MODEL 200 or the sears model 200.
The Ted Williams model 200 shotgun is essentially an alternate Winchester 1200. It was produced by Winchester to be sold in Sears, Roebuck and Company stores as their store-brand pump shotgun. The 200 bearing Ted Williams's name will usually look very similar to the shotgun in the ad. Sears also sold a cheaper plain jane version simply called the Sears Model 200. Function between the two versions is the same but the fit and finish and features of the Ted Williams version are nicer and superior. Below I have posted some photos of a Ted Williams Model 200.
Above is a Ted Williams Model 200 shotgun in 12 gauge configuration sporting six-position variable choke. Notice that is does not sport the floral pattern of the shotgun in the ad.
The Ted Williams 200 has some beautiful checkered wood, most likely walnut.
Six position choke for hunting all types of game.
The bolt is jeweled and looks identical to jeweled bolts on Winchester 1200's. The butt pad is stamped with Ted Williams signature. Writing on the barrel says this model can shoot 3 inch shells. Barrel has an EX stamped on it and I do not know what it stands for. If you know contact me and let me know. The SP stamp I am guessing means Sears Parts but that is just a guess.
If you are not familiar in any way the Sears Model 200 it is important to understand the firearm behind the 200, the Winchester 1200.
-Hunters and shooters know that they’ve got to have a reliable shotgun that practically points by itself. They want a gun light enough to carry through a long day but just heavy enough to swing smoothly and surely when the chance comes. That’s why more and more sportsmen are turning to a Model 1200—a shotgun that’s lightweight, versatile, and troublefree. The Winchester Model 1200 slide action shotguns blend fit, feel and performance with advanced engineering. Twin action slide bars give the Model 1200s a self-starting action designed to move back in a quick, effortless motion. Exclusive front locking, rotating bolthead locks the steel bolt securely into the steel breech for superb strength motion and safety. High-strength rustproof forged aluminum receiver. Crossbolt safety. Extended beavertail fore-end. Positive checkering. Weather-resistant stock finish. Engine turned steel bolt. American walnut stock and forearm, fluted comb.- Shooter’s Bible NO. 66 1975 EDITION edited W Robert Keumjian-
Shooter’s Bible NO. 66 1975 EDITION edited by W Robert Keumjian
R.L. Wilson says in his book Winchester An American Legend, "The Model 1200 featured a rotating bolt with four locking lugs which secured within the barrel extension (the idea was to neutralize any stress on the gun's frame at the time of firing).
Following is some info and ad photos from Winchester in 1967. Notice the shotguns lined up on the same two posts as the Model 200 at the top of the page.
Below is Winchester's six big features that you will get with a Winchester 1200.
Winchester was mighty proud of the rust proof receiver. The trick was that painted aluminum does not rust but the paint can definitely scratch. It's funny that they do not list the plastic trigger guard as a new and improved benefit. I guarantee that it you or anyone you know gets a Winchester 1200 the trigger guard will never rust. If you are impressed with the features of the 1200 then you will be quite happy with the 200 cause they carry over.
Below is the incredible Sears Model 200.(Plain Jane)
The wood on this particular shotgun needs to be refinished but it still looks like quality wood minus some must need checkering.
Even the plain version still has a nice jeweled bolt.
Ted Williams's name not on this buttpad. Also they went with red instead of the black.
Receiver and barrel on this shotgun both have the SP stamp. The Ted Williams 200 above did not have a SP stamp on the receiver. I believe the SP stamp was placed to keep Winchester from mixing of the 1200 and 200 barrels.
The plain Model 200 can not shoot 3 inch shells as noted on the barrel.
If you can find a Sears Model 200 or the magnificent Ted Williams 200 shotgun for a fair deal at your local munitions-hole I would recommend it. I have only found 200's in 12 and 20 gauge. You should be able to find them for less than 200 dollars. It's a working man's shotgun and you can take pride in the fact that it was made in America by real Americans and the spokesman for this sports line was the greatest hitter of all time. Having one is owning a piece of America history at it's finest(even with the plastic trigger housing and the alloy receiver). Any one can own a Winchester but only a special breed of man can wield the Sears Model 200. On a side note, current Winchester pump shotguns are made in Turkey. One of the oldest American gun makers in the USA is making shotguns in Turkey.
IMPORTANT!!
Winchester 1200 barrels can not be interchanged with Sears 200 barrels. Winchester reversed the famed locking lug mechanics on the Sears Models. This also means that 200 and 1200 bolts can not be interchanged. The back of the receiver on the Model 200 was modified to a different shape then what is found at the rear of the receiver on the Winchester models so you cannot mix and match rear stocks. If so inclined you should be able to mix and match the forend stocks.
If any readers out there know of anything I missed on the Model 200 please contact me.
Keep Shooting,
Shooter
