Winchester 1300 Defender

I think the variety of opinions here shows that they are all about equal. I loved my Mossberg 500, it was such a sweet gun. I also like the 1300 Defender a lot. I could take or leave the Remington (if you're giving, I'll take :) ) but purchasing go with what fits you best and you are most comfortable holding, carrying and shooting. My personal recommendation is the 500 or the 1300 both in 12 ga for the all around performance.

Someone mentioned earlier that one them started the slide back when a shot was fired. That is a natural function of recoil. Every pump can do that, just hold the fore stock with a little backward pressure and see what happens (you may be doing it unconsciously). That little pressure is multiplied when the recoil comes into play and the bolt locks are released. The best way to check the speed is the length the pump has to travel (i.e. a 3 in pump is generally faster than a 3.5 in) and the smoothness of the action (that one you feel in the racking motion).
 
ask Winchester

It is by design on 1300 that the slide unlock and begin to move rearward. I actually thought it was me doing it and sent the gun back to them to check the gun out and to squirrelproof the gun. What I mean by that is sometimes, certain people actually pull the slide rearward before the round has exited the barrel, a bad situation where the action can blow apart. You can make the action bar relationship to the disconnector more positive which will make you have to move the slide forward slightly before you pull it rearward to prevent it from occurring. This is the same action used by original Win. pump shotguns. They sent it back telling me it was by design to speed up the 2nd shot.
 
Several years ago I specifically purchased a Win 1300 Defender in 20 gauge for HD use only.

It is loaded with #3 buckshot magnums.

After doing a lot of research regarding a HD shotgun this what I decided to go with.

The Win 1300 Defender is a dual pump rail very solid shotgun. The 20 gauge is more than adequate for HD and it kicks less than a 12 gauge so it is more controlable in close quarters. #3 buckshot magnums seems ideal for HD for a 20 gauge. The #3 shot 20 gauge magnum shell contains plenty (24) of pellets of shot to do the job intended for.

However this shotgun will never be very adequate for hunting, so it is a specialized item.
 
go with #6's

If you want a HD gun and have children or a significant other in the house and or close neighbors, I would use #6 shot. The buckshot can and will go through sheetrock and plaster. At close range, the #6 can as well, but the likelihood of it going through the wall are less likely and it will cause significant damage to body tissue. Just my 2 cents.
 
I just can't understand why one would consider a Winnie or a Mossy over an 870.

That is akin (IMO) to prefering a Ruger semi auto over a tuned 1911.

What do you guys see in winnies or mossys that I don't?
 
I think moss and rems are good guns. I just like the controls better. I can operate it easier. I have used a rem for non-hd and it workrd fine. But I can unlock the action, check the saftey faster and easier on a mossberg. That is it. My neighbor showed me how he did it, on a rem, but I couldn't do it. Never held a 1300.
 
So where the controls are placed is the prefered feature?


I could see how the mossy safety could be handier but I rarely use the safety on my 870's. I don't store the gun with the safety on and if I were to use the safety for any reason I would not be pressed for time.

I guess that is why the safety placement never mattered to me.
 
I like the fact that to unlock the slide is at the rear where the safety would be. I understand what you are talking about, I had a guy offer to buy my .410 rem 870 wingmaster. It is a nice gun, it is over 20 years old and is in excellent condition. My brother-in-law has the gun for his 2 oldest kids, he also has my pick-up since with my back I don't drive, and his mini-van engine went kaput as he was going to hunt with his in-laws. I have a black 835 that is a fun gun. It is a gun that patterns well, and functions flawlessly for me. If I had to get rid of it or use it as a club in an HD situation I would not hesitate. I completely understand your position.
 
I have the 1300 BS and think Winchester has come along ways with the quality of this gun. Love it!
I was wondering if anyone knows what other models barrels will interchange with the 1300, if any?
 
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