Help me out here

[transalpian]

Help me spend some money.

I'm looking at upgrading my HD shotgun. I've currently got a 28"? 20-ga Win 1300 and want to move up to a 12-ga. I really like the 1300 platform AND I have a Knoxx stock and a c-more on it take I really like (and that allows my wife to use as well).

I'm looking at two options:

1. a FN TPS (based on the 1300). Like: AR style sights, barrel porting (I think). Dislikes: Price, Will have to swap trigger packages from the 20ga to the FN to transfer the Knoxx. (I'd probably transfer the FN trigger and buttstock back to the 20ga just to have two functioning shotguns.)

2. a 12ga 1300 defender. Likes: Price, Ease of stock transfer. Dislike: No AR-type sights.

The FN is around $500, the defender around $250.

Having never shot a shotgun with AR sights, are they worth $250? I do shoot a lot of AR15 so the sight picture is very familiar to me. I know adding the C-more helped my speed on target significantly. Would the AR-type sights help as much?

Is barrel porting worth anything?

Is there something else about the FN that I should know?

Thanks in advance

'alp

 

[Dave McCracken]

First, no sight system beats the old fashioned bead for speed. Shotguns are close range weapons, and even slugs can be shot well with a bead and practice.

Second, barrel porting helps the people porting barrel make the rent. It serves little or no purpose for either field or competition.

Third, the 1300 with zero addons is a fine weapon. You should, IMO, have the stock fitted to your wife's specs and learn to use it thus.

 

[transalpian]

So you're saying get the 1300 defender, transfer the Knoxx, and spend the $250 on ammo?

Thanks for clarifying the porting. I've got a couple BE handguns that are ported and it makes sense to me there. On a shotgun, I couldn't really see the advantage.

 

[MAX100]

A bead sight is faster but not as versatile. I like ghost ring sights on shotgun. You will find them very useful if you shoot a lot of slugs and they are almost as fast as a bead sight.

I don't like red dot sights on a tactical shotgun. On a deer or turkey hunting shotgun they are useful.

I and not going to say anything about the adj stock because you already own one and know what you are getting into.

Barrel porting like Dave said has little or no use.

I would probably go for the Defender and mount as good set of GRS on it or just keep the bead sight.


GC

 

[transalpian]

GC

What ghost ring sights would you recommend?

'alp

 

[MAX100]

The LPA or the MMC are the best. You will have to have the receiver drilled and tapped for the rear sight. If the receiver is already tapped for a scope base you can probably use one of the holes and have and extra one drilled & tapped. The front sight is held on by a band.


GC

 

[transalpian]

Nice sights, I like the night site option.

But those would pretty much eat up the $250 difference over the tps.

I really not sure what I'll do, but thanks for the input!

'alp

 

[chas08]

Of the two you've mentioned, I'd go with the Defender. And as for barrel porting , It does have a purpose. It purposely makes your gun louder and your barrel harder to clean.

 

[transalpian]

Well, I went with the TPS.

Main reason being the sights. I (like MAX100) like ghost ring sights. When I looked into the cost of adding a set to the defender, I was over the cost of the tps.

I'll be switching stocks around tonight and hope to get a "range" report back soon.

Thanks for all the advice, even if I didn't listen to it!

'alp

 

[chas08]

Thanks for all the advice, even if I didn't listen to it!

(LOL) Oh... you'll be doing plenty of listening...to that ported barrel.

Most folks know what they want the moment they see it (myself included) so if your happy with your choice, thats all that matters, enjoy.

P.S. post a picture with that range report

 

[transalpian]

I understand loud. I'm interested to compare this gun to some of the snub-nose revolvers I shoot on a regular basis.

I've got a 2.5" 357 that is not only LOUD, but the pressure wave is really noticeable, not in a good way.

I guess in an ideal HD situation, I'd have time to put on hearing protection?

 

[ArmedBear]

I'm interested to compare this gun to some of the snub-nose revolvers I shoot on a regular basis.

You'd have to stand in front of the muzzle of the handgun to get a real comparison. Porting redirects said loudness back towards you and anyone around you. Wear hearing protection, and stay away from anyone who isn't, when firing the gun.


Of course, the shotgun will work fine. Just conduct yourself so as to avoid damaging others' hearing.

 

[onebigelf]

Have you looked at the Saiga 12?



John

 

[transalpian]

OK, I suck as a photographer, but you all know what the tps looks like anyhow.

Here is mine with the Knoxx stock and Limbsaver pad. Once I swapped trigger groups, it was a pretty easy fit. As they say though, only lead will tell....

I do like the metal trigger guard from the donor much more than the plastic one the tps came with.