Winchester 1300 and Rem 11-87P prices

[parrothead2581]

I'm looking for a second shotty as a back-up/companion to my 870. I've seen a Winchester 1300 Defender for around $320 (I could actually get another 870 Express HD for $300, but I like a little variety) while the 11-87P was around $550 (I think), used. This was at Gander Mtn.

How are these prices? Seeing as how I can't order a 1300 from my preferred dealer, if I want one new I'll likely have to go to Gander Mtn.

Any opinions on the reliability of the 1300? Do they seem to take abuse pretty well, much like an 870?

Thanks!

 

[Lee Lapin]

If you get a different make/model shotgun, you will have to learn a new manual of arms for it. That may not seem like a big deal, but in a crisis you will almost certainly default to muscle memory for the gun you are most familiar with. That should be the make and model you have in your hands when things go wrong, or you may waste precious seconds fumbling for controls that are in a different place. If you really want a genuine backup to your primary shotgun (a good idea IMHO) then you should duplicate your existing shotgun as closely as possible.

If you want variety for variety's sake (also a worthwhile pursuit, but I'd get the backup shotgun first) then anything goes. You should IMHO consider the FN Police Shotgun, a current production, rebadged Winchester 1300. They come with a shorter stock, rifle sights on an 18" barrel with choke tubes, a parkerized finish on the steel parts, and sling swivels installed- basically ready to rock right out of the box. They are lighter in weight than an 870 and thus apt to bump you a bit harder in recoil. But the design has been around for a while and a good example of it is likely to still be running when you're taking the long nap, given proper maintenance. It should be in the same ballpark pricewise as the Defender you're looking at.

http://www.fnhusa.com/contents/sg_police.htm

Stay safe,

lpl/nc