Winchester 1911 SL Shotgun, 12 Gauge, 28 inch Barrel

The Winchester Model 1911 SL (Self-Loading) 12-Gauge Shotgun with a 28-inch barrel is one of the most mechanically unique, notorious, and historically significant firearms ever produced. Introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1911 to compete directly with the dominant Browning Auto-5, it was the company's first commercially successful semi-automatic shotgun. Because John M. Browning held airtight patents on the Auto-5's cocking handle and top receiver design, Winchester's engineers had to circumvent those patents. This resulted in an infamous knurled-barrel design which required the shooter to place the butt of the gun on the ground and push the barrel down while facing the muzzle to cock it. This earned the gun its enduring historical nickname: "The Widowmaker." A 12-gauge model outfitted with a 28-inch barrel was the standard field configuration meant for waterfowl and upland game.