Opinions on the Winchester 1300?

[jalpats85]

I know there has been a post on this already, but lets try it again. I just purchased a Winchester Model 1300 Ranger. Reason being is that I'm new to firearms and didn't want to spend to much money and I didn't have enough to spend either.

It's a 12 gauge, speed pump and it came with three chokes. The book value price new was $410, but I got it for new at $335. Does anyone own this shotgun? I know it's not a Remington or Mossberg, but some people like Ford and some people like Chevy right?

Do you think this gun will bring good hunting and if anyone has anything to say then go for it.

James A LaFlamme :usa:

[Nighthawk]

I have a Model 1300 speedpump in 12GA with a pistol grip.I also have a Mossberg 500 and a 590DA.I like the Winchester almost as well.I put a side saddle on it and a shotgun sling.It turned out to be well worth the money.Safe Shooting!



Best!!

[boogeyman]

I don't have the 1300 but I do have the 120 which has the same type rotary bolt. I find the Winchesters are very good guns, I have never had a problem with cycling or anything like that. If you slap a good set of fiber optic sights on it your all set for hunting.

[Corelogik]

I own a 1300 Defender. I don't know what if anything is different between mine and yours, but the one thing that I dislike on mine is the nylon/polymer piece around the throat of the magazine tube. Over time it will wear down and allow the shell stops to sit to low in the action, causing them to not engage on the action bars.

I am currently looking to buy a 590 Mossy for this reason. (Mossberg uses no plastic of any kind that I am aware of in the critical action areas.)

Other than this one complaint, my Winchester has fired thousands of rounds without a problem.

[stevinator]

The 1300 black shadow deer gun I have seems like a good gun for the money.

[JohnC]

The winchester 1300 series is in my opinion just as good as the current 870's, and mossy shotguns... although the old 870's are probably better. But the mossy plastic triggure garud is its weakest point, go look on numrich gun parts site, they are sold out of this triggure gard/housing. Although, I realy would like a 590a1, with bayo lug, and MEATAL triggure gaurd!

[dvdstdg]

Your Winchester is a good mechanically sound choice. Fit and finish isn't world class but then neither is the price.

When you are ready for a shotgun to last a lifetime, take the time to locate a Winchester Model 97 that is in good mechanical shape. Jump on it, and have it refurbed, you wont regret it.

[swill269]

:o
you made a good practical purchase! ;) i have a 1300 defender and have not used it enough to notice any wear in the mag tube plastic but i am glad to know in advance what to look out for (thanx). since it is your first one, use it and get to know it. pattern the different chokes on news paper hanging on a clothes line type arrangement. this will give you an idea of what the shot group looks like at different distances for each choke. also change shot sizes with the same chokes to see which shot size has less fliers in the group. when you become proficient with that gun you will be able to compare for yourself which ones are better suited for you. you got a good deal and a versatile package. hope you enjoy it and use it responsibly. :)

:cool: :usa: :beer:

[dave1387]

My 1300 Defender is an incredibly reliable shotgun. I love it.

The only problem i had is that when it was brand new, one of the slide-arms (connecting the forward-grip to the bolt) popped a spot weld and fell right out when i disassembled it. I was working in a machine shop at the time so i had our welder put some real welds on the arms and i haven't had a problem since. I'll chalk that one up to just a really crappy spot weld.

[swill269]

:o
damned robot welders. <_<