Winchester 1200 vs 1300 Defender

[nathan]

I ve shot a friend's 1300 HD two years ago . NOw I read the 1200 HD was a better gun, is that so? What are the differences and why Winchester stop making them ? I know theres a cult following on the 1200.

 

[Technosavant]

Can't vouch for the differences, but "Winchester" never really made them. They were made for FN in the US and marketed under the Winchester name. I believe the 1300 Defender is still sold in the US as the FN Police.

 

[Smitty in CT]

The 1300 was made by the United States Repeating Arms Company (USRAC) in New Haven, CT. The factory closed down at the end of March 2006, the FN pumps that are being built are from NOS from when they shut down... There were rumors that FN was going to be making the "speed pump" again, but so far no confirmations.... maybe after SHOT show next month.

 

[MAKster]

The 1300 is an updated version of the 1200. The 1200 was made from the 1960s until the 1300 model came out in the 1980s. A used 1300 will likely be in better condition because they are newer. There is no real collector value to either model. Used ones sell for $150-200.

 

[nathan]

In terms of parts, are they easy to find considering its been phased out of production?

 

[Milkmaster]

Plenty of parts for a 1300 are available.

 

[zinj]

The 1300 is back in production (under the name of "Speed Pump"):

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/category.asp?cat=019C

 

[nathan]

Wow, it has chrome bores this time around. Wonder how much this would go on retail ?

 

[JNewell]

Can't vouch for the differences, but "Winchester" never really made them. They were made for FN in the US and marketed under the Winchester name.

Absolutey untrue. The 1200 goes back to Olin days and was continued (in its successor form, the 1300) by USRAC. Except for the ones marked FN, they were made in New Haven.