Winchester 1300 Defender

B

bullbarrel

New member
What do you guys think of this shotgun compared to Mossberg 500/590/590A1, Remington 870 Wingmaster/Police?

I know they don't make them any more. I know it was made in the U.S. and now has been re-branded as the FN Police pump gun.

18-1/2" barrel. Aluminum alloy receiver. Rotating bolt action. Extended mag tube holds 7+1. Takes 2-3/4" or 3" shells. All black. All business.

Can someone confirm that it cycles the Aguila mini-shells reliably?



 
Since I haven't shot the others, all I can say is that my 1300 runs quite well and the price was right when I bought it.

Haven't tried the mini-shells. There have been posts about them way back when.
 
IMO, the 1300 compares very favorably to the shotguns that were close to it's price-point...the Mossberg 500 and the 870 Express. The 870 Wingmaster and Police are certainly better guns, and I'd give the nod to the 590 Mossberg also. But then those guns cost considerably more. I've had a 1300 for over 15 years and it's had a lot of rounds through it. It's been loaned out several times, rode in a scabbard behind my truck seat for many years...in short, never babied...and it has always been a solid shotgun with no problems whatsoever. Take care of it and it will last a very long time. All JMO.
 
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i can someone confirm that it cycles the Aguila mini-shells reliably....if u send me a few boxes. but i have had no feeding issues so far.
 
I just sold my 20ga Winchester Model 1300 Defender. This one looked just like yours. I have nothing but good things to say about it and I would have kept it if I wasnt so strapped for cash and wanting a 12ga.

I was told my 20ga would cycle Aguila mini-shells reliably but I have not clue as I didnt try it.

I also think the person that told me that had it in 12ga as well but again I cant confirm that.

Great looking 1300 and enjoy it. I wish I would have bought mine in 12ga.
 
I have a FN Police pump shotgun ( the basic model without the AR-style collapsible stock ) that does reliably cycle the minishells. The minishells are fun for play. It's loaded with 2 3/4 inch shells for self defense ( but that's based solely on my preference.)
 
The Winchester 1300 Defender is an extremely competent shotgun. I own 2. Better or worse than the others listed? Don't know? Good enough? Plenty.
 
I have this exact same model which used to be my Dad's and niether of us had any problems with it. I also own a 1300 Ranger combo in 12 gauge, and would love to find the same thing in 20 gauge, but you're right- they don't make them anymore and they're pretty rare.

For my budgetary purposes, these Winchester 1300's were perfect and have performed flawlessly since I first got them in the late 1980's -early 1990's. Good choice.
 
Good old guns. A lot of guns wont cycle the mini aguila shells. they're the ones that are like an inch?? I know Centurion makes 2" 00 Buck shells that give you an extra round or two in the tube.
 
I really like the 1300. It has a very quick and smooth action and fits me better than an 870 or Mossberg. Is it better or worse than the others? I dunno but if you found one you like I don't think you will be disappointed with it.
 
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