Winchester Model 1300 20ga. pump... Any experience with??

[backfire]

Bought my wife a very nice, clean Winchester Model 1300 20ga. pump shotgun w/ vent rib and Winchoke. Looks nearly new and seems to work pretty nice.

I've never had a Winchester shotgun before, but I've heard good things about them. Is this a good gun for her? Reliability??

She doesn't like the shoulder stab of my Wingy 870 or Hawk 12ga. and she siad she wouold be reluctant to use it in self defense because of that, so I wanted to get her something she could call "hers" that fits her and has a lighter recoil that she's not afaid of.

What say you folks'??

 

[Fargo]

I used one growing up and it was a great gun. While the 1300 is not as robust as the 870/Mossy's I've never had any problems with the several I have owned. I find them to be much smoother and with better control placements than the others.

Best,

Joe

 

[Cwood]

I have 4 Winchester 1300's all used for hunting. Great guns with smooth actions.

 

[backfire]

Thanks for the feedback.

I've looked it over closer and found that it's currently equipped with an Improved Cylinder choke adapter in it now and it's got a 28" barrel. The rear stock has been shortened by approx. 3/4", which makes the trigger finger reach and overall fit a little bit better for my wife. A good buy for her I think and I told her my Christmas shopping is done for her now! Well....maybe except for some some stocking-stuffer 20 ga. ammo!!

 

[Picit]

Plus they will feed the shorty shells, always a plus for a defense gun!

 

[backfire]

Her new Christmas present.

 

[Titanium Man]

I have the exact same weapon in 12g, and even though I don't use it anymore, I'll never give it up. Very nice gun.

 

[skreuzman]

I have the exact same gun in 20 ga. Got it for Xmas when I was 12 years old and it is still my favorite gun. It is built sturdy and reliable. Ive never once had it jam or misfire and ive put 1000's of rounds through it. Ive also dropped many deer at 100+ yards with that barrel and rifled slugs. I would not sell this gun for $1000...that is how much I like it. If anyone has this for sale in a 12 ga. PM me and lets work out a deal

 

[red_zr24x4]

I have an older one in 12ga. It works great, the only problem I've had is on the bottom of the bolt is a screw for the FP retainer, bought mine used ,and the screw fell out. Turns out the hole was stripped.

 

[Classic]

I have an older one in 12ga. It works great, the only problem I've had is on the bottom of the bolt is a screw for the FP retainer, bought mine used ,and the screw fell out. Turns out the hole was stripped.

I have a 12 ga./3 in., all black synthetic, 18 in barrel, extended mag, Win 1300 Defender model that I bought used for $200. Has a couple of nicks in the receiver coating but other than that it is a great shotgun and was a huge bargain!

 

[kenyo64]

Bought my son one back in like 1997 shot around 4000 rds through it and shot 1/2 of the choke tube right out the end of the barrel. Sent in to Winchester customer service and they replaced the barrel and all tubes. Since that shot around 1000 more with no problems. Boy has since out grown itso I keep it when my nieces and nehews want to shoot they can use it. It is the youth model
ken

 

[joemich1911]

My friend has one for about eight years now and i think he has cleaned it once. It cycles flawlessly, but that is his luck. If i did that my gun would prob backfire and take my face off.

 

[winstonsmith84]

I've got a 1300 Defender (12ga wood/blue) that I've had for years. I've never had an issue. Probably 1000 rounds through it. Can't speak for the 20ga, but I don't imagine it would be any different.

 

[paperboy]

The 1300 is a great shotgun with a smooth action. I am sure it will hold up to anything you put through it.......

 

[backfire]

Thanks for the reviews everyone.

My wife and I went shooting with it about a week ago and she really loves it! Since the rear stock is cut down approx. 3/4", it fits her small frame and grip very well, making it comfortable and natural for her to hold. The recoil is mild for her too, so she doesn't flinch when it's fired. Heck, I even went through a box of shells just blasting around full water jugs- it's a lot of fun!

We did pattern the shot at approx. 40 feet or so using Winchester SuperX #6 shot through an Improved Cylinder choke and it'll pattern a circle at that range about the size of a full size pick-up truck steering wheel. (13"-14") I didn't think that was too bad for that distance.

Wifey says she wants to start shooting trap w/ it.

 

[kludge]

I have... well I sort of have it... a 1300 Defender in 12GA. Not a lot of rounds through it, but never a problem either.

If I saw a 20GA I'd probably buy it in a heartbeat. How does it fit her?

Oh... and I'd be looking for a 18.5" cylinder bore barrel for it.

 

[harmonn@att.net]

I have the 12 ga. version. Killed many deer with the gun. Very reliable, very accurate.

Best Regards,

 

[winstonsmith84]

Oh... and I'd be looking for a 18.5" cylinder bore barrel for it.

Barrel change in about 1 min tops! I wish mine was the shorter magazine version sometimes as there are no longer choked barrels made for the 8 round tube, at least none that I've found. It's not the best for shooting skeet.

 

[backfire]

I have... well I sort of have it... a 1300 Defender in 12GA. Not a lot of rounds through it, but never a problem either.

If I saw a 20GA I'd probably buy it in a heartbeat. How does it fit her?

Oh... and I'd be looking for a 18.5" cylinder bore barrel for it.

The gun fits her great and with the shortened rear stock, it naturally puts her trigger finger in the trigger gaurd area for a perfect reach for her frame.

I don't intend on using this gun other than for her, (trap shooting, rabbit hunting, etc.) so we'll probably never get a shortened barrel for it. That's not to say if I ever see one at a gun show for cheap..and....well..........

 

[kludge]

Just keep your eyes open.

If the stock is shortened, be careful about the placement of your/her thumb on the shooting hand. Wrapped around the grip in a normal way there have been incidents of bloody noses.