Milkmaster
Member
I originally sent this private message to MD7 after reading his post about the Winchester 1300. I thought his reply was worth sharing, and with his permission begin this thread.
Question...
Answer...
Question...
I saw your post about rabbit hunting with the 1300 and now using an 870. I also have both the 870 and 1300. I am curious to how you compare the two guns overall. No one talks much about the 1300 although it was made for many years. Care to gimme an opinion or even start a thread on that subject?
Answer...
i don't mind a bit. the 1300 was my first shotgun. i have had it for about 14 or 15 years now. there is a lot to be said for the 1300 in my opinion. it is a gun that works. i can attest to that. 14 years of service in the dove field, deer drives, and rabbit hunts in all sorts of weather conditions without a glitch or spot of rust. i also like the speed pump. some folks don't care for it, but it probably has a lot to do with what folks are used to operating. the 870 has a completely different feel to it than the 1300 does when shucking a shell. at least it does to me. i started on the 1300 so the speed pump feels normal. i think that most people will tell you that the 1300 is a good shotgun. the main reason, imho, that it is relatively unheard of is that the 1300 was introduced when the 870 was already king of the hill, and the mossberg 500 was a slightly less expesive aluminum frame shotgun that showed up on the scene prior to the 1300. sort of like it was a good shotgun added to a list of 2 other good shotguns that were already popular.
the 870 is a good shotgun as well. at least i think it is. the main reason for switching to it was that winchester no longer produces the 1300, or didn't at the time, and i wanted an 18" cyl bore barrel for rabbit hunting. it has been a pretty solid performer. i like the heft of it better than 1300 if that makes sense. it isn't as easy to carry for extended periods of time, but shoots softer. that is subjective though. i like that the 870 has a good aftermarket support if i need parts and generally think it is one of those shotguns that nobody should be without. you know what i mean? they proven, they available, and easy to find parts for. one thing i don't necessarliy care for is the location of the slide release. that is a minor thing though, and i can definitly live with it.
i know i have said a bunch, but i will leave at this. both guns have proven themselves to be reliable performers. i like the action and location of the slide release on the 1300, and the heft and ease of shooting that the 870 offers. truthfully, i think it is 6 of 1 and half a dozen of the other. i am up for a thread, and am interested in your evaluation of these 2 shotguns. always good to talk to another 1300 fan.