Winchester Model 1300 Defender
- Thread starter augustino
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Geneseo1911
Member
Mainly because it's no longer produced. There was some buzz about it being less robust than the other two you mention, but even it's detractors admitted it was unlikely to have a problem.
The new Winchester SXP appears to use the same bolt design (I haven't handled one personally), but isn't made in a Defender version yet. FWIW, I have a 1300 Ranger, and I love it.
The new Winchester SXP appears to use the same bolt design (I haven't handled one personally), but isn't made in a Defender version yet. FWIW, I have a 1300 Ranger, and I love it.
I would agree with Geneseo. I used to have a 1300 Field (28" barrel, nice walnut, etc), and only sold it only because it didn't fit (comb was too low). It had a terrifically smooth action, locks up vault tight. The reason they aren't discussed as much is that Winchester hasn't made nearly as many 1300's as Mossy and Rem have made of their respective pumps. The argument of it being made with an aluminum receiver vs. steel is a specious argument. Certainly all commercial aircraft have a good portion of their airframes built from aluminum and I don't see them falling out of the sky. I did get a 2009 Winchester catalog and saw they've reintroduced the 1300 defender as the SXP Defender. Would love to see if the new stock dimensions are different (as I wouldn't mind another one if it fit).
If you are interest in one and it fits, I'd say buy it!
If you are interest in one and it fits, I'd say buy it!
Hungry Seagull
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That gun was a Military gun which I learned to understand from researching shotguns for HD. When I ventured forth from my cave to get said weapon I learned that the factory is closed, no more is being made and very difficult to get one.
That being said, I shelved the issue until I learned about the Rem 870.
The 1300 is a most worthy gun and would hope that they will resume production someday.
That being said, I shelved the issue until I learned about the Rem 870.
The 1300 is a most worthy gun and would hope that they will resume production someday.
Grunt
Member
We had a few Winchester 1200s when I was in the Marines that were being phased out for the then-new Mossberg 590. I think the biggest thing that turned a lot of us off of the Winchester was that our detachment went through Security Forces school using the Mossberg 590 so we were used to it. The Winchester had a pump that would unlock itself and blow back a bit with the recoil of a round being fired and that just never sat well with a lot of folks. I know Winchester claimed that to be a design feature for faster cycling speed but the general consensus was "If I want the pump to come back, I'll pull the danged thing back rather than have it shoot back out of my hand when it goes off." That being said though, I might see if I can find one when I get back from this deployment and give the Winchester another chance.
I've owned a Winchester Defender 1300 for years and have no complaints with it. I've put about 1200 rounds through it and it cycles reliably and holds enough rounds to take care of almost any imaginable HD scenario w/out reloading. The only modification I've done is put a tactical foregrip on it. At the time I bought it used Mossbergs were selling for $160-$180 and I bought the brand new Defender for $200+tax. Kinda wish I'd bought two of them but I can only fire one gun at a time.
Winchester 1300 Defender
Since posting this thread I've come onto some info I'd like to post.
The Basics:
The Winchester 1300 Defender is Winchesters entry into the Police ~ Defence shotgun arena, based on the Model 1300 sporting line. It is a pump action firearm. You must manually work the action for each shot. It has a simple brass bead front site and very simple groves along the receiver to assist in aligning the gun for firing.
The stocks are either wood or black plastic for the full length models and black plastic for the pistol grip model.
The Magazine seven rounds of 2 1/4" shells for a total of 8 rounds if you carry it chamber loaded.
The safety is a basic cross bolt trigger lock in the front of the trigger guard.
Features:
The Winchester has many things going for it. It is a little lighter then other models due to it's alloy receiver. Some may think that an alloy receiver is inherently weaker then others, but this leads us to another feature. The Winchester's bolt is a four lug rotary lock, similar to the AR-15's. It locks solidly into the chamber of the barrel and keeps pressure trapped in the barrel through the peak of the firing cycle. Since the receiver does not have to withstand the pressure, and so can be made from lighter material. It also allows the use of lighter plastic materials in the trigger guard and some other internal parts.
After the pressure peaks and returns to a safe level, the bolt unlocks and the remaining pressure assists the bolt in it's rear ward travel. This makes the Winchester the fastest pump action shotgun that I have ever used. Follow up shots are very quick.
The action has dual action bars for smooth chambering of shells and to prevent binding when working the action. Binding problems with the 1300 are rare if at all.
The safety on is positive and efficient. They can survive one or two drops in the woods without mishap.
The Winchester patterns very well for an improved cylinder. Out to 50 yards it maintains good patterns on paper targets. Slugs also shoot well and it's fairly accurate out to 100 yards.
The Bad Points:
Contrary to popular beliefs, you must aim a shotgun to get consistent accuracy. a shotgun is more forgiving, but you have to aim it. The sights on it need improving.
This problem can be fixed by adding a set of rifle sites to the gun. There are many options for iron sites, so do a little research and find the ones that are right for you if you decide to add sites.
Since posting this thread I've come onto some info I'd like to post.
The Basics:
The Winchester 1300 Defender is Winchesters entry into the Police ~ Defence shotgun arena, based on the Model 1300 sporting line. It is a pump action firearm. You must manually work the action for each shot. It has a simple brass bead front site and very simple groves along the receiver to assist in aligning the gun for firing.
The stocks are either wood or black plastic for the full length models and black plastic for the pistol grip model.
The Magazine seven rounds of 2 1/4" shells for a total of 8 rounds if you carry it chamber loaded.
The safety is a basic cross bolt trigger lock in the front of the trigger guard.
Features:
The Winchester has many things going for it. It is a little lighter then other models due to it's alloy receiver. Some may think that an alloy receiver is inherently weaker then others, but this leads us to another feature. The Winchester's bolt is a four lug rotary lock, similar to the AR-15's. It locks solidly into the chamber of the barrel and keeps pressure trapped in the barrel through the peak of the firing cycle. Since the receiver does not have to withstand the pressure, and so can be made from lighter material. It also allows the use of lighter plastic materials in the trigger guard and some other internal parts.
After the pressure peaks and returns to a safe level, the bolt unlocks and the remaining pressure assists the bolt in it's rear ward travel. This makes the Winchester the fastest pump action shotgun that I have ever used. Follow up shots are very quick.
The action has dual action bars for smooth chambering of shells and to prevent binding when working the action. Binding problems with the 1300 are rare if at all.
The safety on is positive and efficient. They can survive one or two drops in the woods without mishap.
The Winchester patterns very well for an improved cylinder. Out to 50 yards it maintains good patterns on paper targets. Slugs also shoot well and it's fairly accurate out to 100 yards.
The Bad Points:
Contrary to popular beliefs, you must aim a shotgun to get consistent accuracy. a shotgun is more forgiving, but you have to aim it. The sights on it need improving.
This problem can be fixed by adding a set of rifle sites to the gun. There are many options for iron sites, so do a little research and find the ones that are right for you if you decide to add sites.
SHOTGUNJOE
Member
I bought my Defender new back in 2000 for $270. No problems & I'm 100% happy with mine.
MADDOG
Member
Another one----I bought my Defender in 99 and I have had no problems with it. I have been looking for one for my son with no luck. Mine is usually in the truck or in the bike trailer. If you see one buy it. You'll like it.
Teufelhunden
Member
I bought a FN Police Shotgun a few years ago, which is nothing more than a dressed up 1300. It comes with rifle sights, plastic furniture instead of wood, and the stock is slightly shorter to accommodate body armor.
It also comes with 2 chokes (cyl and Imp.cyl) so you have more flexibility in patterning your load. The finish is matte black instead of a shiny blue as well.
For $215, I thought it was a bargain, and have used it for work and play equally well.
-Teuf
It also comes with 2 chokes (cyl and Imp.cyl) so you have more flexibility in patterning your load. The finish is matte black instead of a shiny blue as well.
For $215, I thought it was a bargain, and have used it for work and play equally well.
-Teuf
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