Winchester model 1300 defender

Carl Alexander

[R. Scott]

I shot skeet many years ago. I don’t know why I ever quit. I should get back into it again – Fort Eustis has (or had?) a good range. I’ll have to check it out.

[CTOCS]

I've got one. Keep it under the bed. Pistol grip is the way to go because it's easier to handle in an emergency.

CFC_VRWC mentioned a heat shield. Good idea. Cabella's catalogue has a full tactical workup for it. Heat shield, sling, sights, shell holder, etc. I tricked mine out with the whole package and it is one bad-assed looking shotgun.

Also have a Mossberg 500A. It's a 5 shot that comes with a heat shield. However, no comparison when it comes to fit and finish. Winchester wins, hands down.

[TEXASPROUD]

I have had 870's forever. Buy one with a long barrel and Rem-Choke (so you can change to different chokes for hunting), and get a second short barrel 18.5" or longer and attach an extended magazine for repelling boarders. This gives you options that you don't have with the Defender.
If you want a shotgun just for defense work the Defender is okay. I still think the 870 gives you a lot more options.

[calex59]

You know I have never held one in my hands so don't really know if the last one in hangs out into the receiver or not! I have actually never seen a shotgun that did that. SO....right now all I can say is the magazine is not longer than the barrel, judging by the pictures. 2.75 inches x 8 is actually about 22 inches isn't it?

[calex59]

Thanks so much for everyone's input and I have pretty much decided on getting the 1300. It will be for defensive work only, so to the guy that suggested the Remington 870, thanks for your thoughts and I did consider the 870, I really like them for hunting but I am going to use this one solely for defense. Thanks again everyone.

[Travis McGee]

The 870 does give you more aftermarket options, but there is nothing wrong with the Win 1300 either. It'll do the job.

[Tarpon]

All the inexpensive short length 12 gauge shotguns are tested fine guns. 12 gauge is a great choice for defense. The light buck loads are best for defense use -- IMHO, fast recovery time and better indoors. IC is the best choke for defense.

[meadsjn]

I have a couple of 1300 Defenders and a Rem 870 with a variety of Rem-chokes. All of them are good hardware. The 870 resides in the safe; the 1300s are kept more handy. With modern ammo at shotgun ranges, the 18.5" barrel is suitable for a wide variety of applications and ammo.

[archy]

Thanks so much for everyone's input and I have pretty much decided on getting the 1300. It will be for defensive work only, so to the guy that suggested the Remington 870, thanks for your thoughts and I did consider the 870, I really like them for hunting but I am going to use this one solely for defense. Thanks again everyone.

The U.S. Army was until fairly recently a satisfied user of the earlier Winchester M1200, which rep[laced the hodgepodge of Winchester M97, Winchester M12 and Stevens M77E shotguns in Army service. Among the features the Army wanted in their replacement weapon was a lighter weight aluminum receivered weapon that would be suitable for use by female MPs, and since appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants for aluminum/steel M16 rifles were already in the Army supply chain, that feature was particularly sought. Now the Army is looking hard at an underbarrel shotgun attachment for the M4 carbine, similar to the M203 grenade launcher, but those of us from the old green shirts/black boots Army remember the Winchester and Stevens scatterguns fondly.

A couple of downsides to the M1200...and which apply to several other commercialpump shotguns as well: if dropped while being held horizontally to the ground with the trigger guard downward, the trigger guard can be crushed into the trigger, locking it to the rear and rendering the weapon unusable, or firing the weapon if it's cocked and a round is chambered. Accordingly, proper carry of a military M1200 is with a sling,slung muzzle down behind the left rear shoulder.

And even with the safety in the *safe* position, the weapon may fire if dropped horizontally as the hammer moves to the rear under inertial forces and the sear disengages- the safety's blockage of trigger movement will not prevent a discharge in this instance.

That's no great detraction of the Win M1200/M1300, just a consideration of one of its design limitations that can become minimal with awareness of their existance. As with any potentially lethal tool, treat them with respect and professionalism, and they'll serve you well.

[calex59]

A man with a win 97 killed 4 men so quick once I couldn't believe my eyes. He saved me and 7 other men from certain anilation from an enemy force. Please forgive me if I don't tell you where it was, it is still classified. The remainder of the force against us ran because of that one shotgun. Up close there is no better weapon. I am pleased with the response I have received here about the 1300 and will most likely purchase one. Thanks for your imput, from an old fart still looking out for his a**.:)

[TEXASPROUD]

Damn is that shot or a slug?

[Squantos]

Shot.....

[Squantos]

Shot.....

[BulldogDaddy]

Not so sure when you posted this. But I’ll give ya my input. I own a Winchester 1300 Defender. This shotgun can be assorized to make it 1 badass shotgun, and with the different types of specialty ammo out there “Bad Guys Beware. This is what I did to mine. Front & rear pistol grips, 6 position tactical stock, heat shield, tact. light, and a shot-shell clip. I think thats most of the add ons. With this shotgun also being a speed pump. It not only looks badass it performs just as well as it looks. I am extremely happy with my Defender 1300. Once again 2 words sum this shotgun up “BAD ASS” Good luck.