[Justin]

I've kind of been testing the waters for a shotgun for the last couple of months, thinking about what I'd like to have.

Anyway, I know a fellow who's selling a practically brand-new Winchester 1300 for $200.

The problem is that it's not really what I want. It's one of models in a hunting configuration with a bead and a 28 inch barrel.

What I'd like is to get one with an 18 inch barrel and the tube extension on it.

So would it be more economical to buy this hunting shotgun and then pick up the extension tube and short barrel later?

Or would I be better off passing over this one and waiting for something closer to what I want?

Thanks

[Dave McCracken]

It's a good shotgun worth the money, but not what you want. IMO, give it a pass and wait a bit. It's not such a great deal you'll regret not getting it the rest of your life.

HTH...

[HSMITH]

I am with Dave on this one. Pass on it and get what you want.

[SkunkApe]

I have a Winchester 1300 12-gauge with a 28" barrel. For Twelve years, I've been looking for a good deal on an 18" barrel. Heck, I'd even take another 28" barrel and cut it myself if the price is right. The cheapest barrel I've seen is $140.

The barrels are expensive/hard to find. I'd pass. The Mosberg barrels are much cheaper/more common.

[BudS]

I got a 1300 in the 18"/extended tube version several years ago for $200 and LIKE it! It is the only pump SG that will reliably feed the Aguila Mini shells without modifying the elevator...it seems like they were made for one another! I have an ATI stock w/pistol grip and a sidesaddle shell carrier on it, as well as a C-cell mag light and a sling. Fully loaded and with Mini shells nose-to-nose in the sidesaddle, it's capacity is *23* rounds! A legal version of a "Streetsweeper", yes?

Keep looking- hope you find one soon.

[bubbygator]

I will absolutely second BudS' post in every detail. If you want 12 ga. firepower for home defense, this setup will fill the bill. And Aguila has 3 varieties of mini-shell - a small-shot, a mixed large/small, and a slug. You must realize that a gun like this will not reach out to 20-30 yards like a long barrel - it's for close-in work.

[edited to add] Well, of course it will reach there, but you know what I mean.

[Onslaught]

Sounds like you're looking for a Winchester Defender, which should be available BRAND NEW for around $250 - $275!

I've got one myself, and I'm very fond of it. I don't know what my parents paid for it (it was a Christmas present) but it's one of the few firearms I "had then" as an irresponsible, quick tempered, short thinking teenager/young adult that I still have now. I've just never felt a need to sell it to buy something better.

The only things I've done to it were switch the safety (left handed) and add a SpeedFeed IV-S stock. I can't say that about much else I own.

[Cameron Lamont]

I purchased my Winchester Defender brand new for $249.

That comes stock with the 18" barrel and the 8 shell capacity / sling mounts / hi-viz bead etc.

I simply wandered it to my local sporting goods store on a Thursday evening and walked out 20 mins later with it.

Regards,
Cameron

edited for spelling.... I need some sleep!

[Duke of Lawnchair]

The Winchester 1300 is an excellent shotgun, and ranks as one of my favs.

Irregardless, I think that paying $200 for a shotgun that isn't exactly what you want is paying too much. In other words, I agree with what the other forum members have already said.

Jim