I have been looking for a HD shotgun, been eyeballing Mossbergs and Remeingtons, but a local pawn shop has a Winchester 1300 Defender for a little over $200. I would look be looking to add a pistol grip to it taking the total cost around $300-350. Asking for Pro, Cons and ideas.
The Defender will serve you well. I'm pleased with the synthetic stock and, after trying a HD shotgun with pistol grip, decided to keep mine the way it came.
I've owned a few of the 120/1200/1300 series. They are slicker than the Remingtons and have the slide release where it should be. I have been told they aren't as robust but mine have run a ton of rounds just fine.
Good shotgun for the money. You should be able to find a much cheaper grip set.
I like a pistol grip but I like to have the grip plus the full stock as well. For me, a full stock (and shotgun) beats an AR or pistol because of the less lethal options it provides. I'd much rather fight someone with a baseball bat (shotgun) than a brick (handgun).
The price options on grip/stocks was just a quick look. I was just looking for info, I am not familiar with the model. But I like the feel of it and the overall length. Thanks for the info everyone.
is this the older wood furniture 1300?? or the SPX version?? I really love the older defender's and the SPX I have is good but not as good in my opinion.. I would trade my newer on for a older one any day with some ammo to boot... I keep looking but have not found one.. congrats on finding a older one. I bought a ATI stock for mine for about 75.00 shipped.. good luck with whatever you find.
I really like my Winchester 1300 more so than my Mossberg 500. I think a HD gun needs a light and a few more shells attached. Not really familiar with aftermarket options on them. I prefer to use something mag fed.
I attached shells using velcro on the stock and then on the back of the shell holder. I never really liked the stiff shell holders on the side. Plus this way you can keep several loaded and swap them out. I also usually store the shotgun with a holder on each side and then take the side off I'm using as a cheek weld because it makes it uncomfortable.
ive had mine since the mid 90's, originally a "house" gun. bought it new for $225
it's had a LOT of rounds put through it shooting bowling pin and 2/3 gun matches.
the action, even when new, felt smoother than any other pump gun i've ever shot, and i was faster shooting pins with the pump than i was with a remington 1100.
The 1300 doesn't get anywhere near the recognition that the 870 and 500 do, but by all accounts, it's an excellent shotgun.
If the condition is very good, I'd jump right on it.
If money is a concern I'd just run it without a pistol grip. I personally have always looked at them as more of a cosmetic feature for some than a useful "upgrade." I think if you just get a light on one you are pretty good to go for home defense unless your mag tube capacity is super limited.