I just picked up a Winchester Defender today

[Min]

Is a 3" shotgun a "Magnum" shotgun?

I just picked up a Winchester Defender shotgun today at the gun show. I have been looking for a cheap beater 12 GA, and this one fit the bill - no paperwork, looks to be in very good condition. Wood-stocked 18.5" barrel with mag tube extension.

My question is, the barrel says 2-3/4" and 3" - does this mean the shotgun can handle magnum shells? Is a 3" shell a magnum shell?

It doesn't say "Magnum" anywhere on the gun like on the Remington 870 12 GA.

Just curious - thanks!

 

[andy]

Congratulations on your purchase Min. I bought a new Winchester Defender a couple of months back and love it even though I haven't shot it yet. The owners manual that came with it states:

All current 12 and 20 gauge Model 1300s have a 3-inch chamber and are designed to shoot with all factory loads such as 3" Magnum, 2 3/4" Magnum, 2 3/4" High Velocity, 2 3/4" Field and Target loads.

The barrel on my shotgun does not say anything about magnum shells either but it does take them. Your gun sounds like a older model so I do not know if this applies to yours or not. I hope this was some help to you.

P.S. What did you pay for your shotgun? Mine was $259 plus tax.

 

[Dave McCracken]

3" is Magnum. However, I suggest using the lighter loads until you're used to them.

Good shotgun, now BA/UU/R....

 

[Min]

Here's a pic. What does BA/UU/R... stand for? Sorry it's Sunday morning and my brain has been turned off.

Andy, I got it for $200 cash and carry. I like the fact I didn't have to fill out the yellow form for it. It's in really good shape. A little polish here and there and it could pass for new. As I was walking out the door for it a guy wanted to buy it from me.

I think these Winchesters with the wood stock are a great deal in the shotgun world. I prefer them to the new Defenders with the black synthetic stock (asthetically), although functionally they should be identical.

I also like the Remington 870 Police - who doesn't?

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

buy ammo, use up. repeat.

 

[andy]

Min I've got to agree with you about the wood stock. Its got the synthetic one beat in the beauty department. For $200 you got yourself a real deal. Enjoy!