Winchester SXP Defender

[ViPER395]

Did a search and didn't find anything concise or specific.

Anyone have this shotgun and have anything good or bad to say about it? (not the EXTREME version)

Thinking about getting one over a used 870 so any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Scratch705]

i don't have the defender but i just have the sxp field/camp combo which came with an 18" and 28" barrel.

either way, the same gun with different barrel options and the front hanguard.

imo, the gun is light, which is great but it also means more felt recoil since there is no weight to take it on. the recoil assisted pump is awesome. at the trap field, i sometimes shoot it with my hand barely on the pump and allow the recoil to eject the shell for me.

i will say the major bad for me was that the receiver actually chipped near where the barrel rests on. i am not sure when/how it happened since there was no damage on the barrel where they touch so i'm guessing an inherent weakness that didn't show until some rounds went through it.

winchester replaced the gun for me no questions asked, and it was a somewhat quick process (there was a delay due to miscommunication from my FFL to them but that can't be blamed on winchester)

i am unsure about the aftermarket on the sxp since i never looked since for trap all i needed was to swap chokes but they use the same threading as some other brands so it was easy to get alternate chokes.

so if you plan on modding the shotgun, the 870 might be a better choice.

[deadcoyote]

I owned an old winchester 1300 defender, the 8 shot with the 20" barrel.

It was my work issued shotgun, and it got retired and they sold it to me. It was a great shotgun, my only issue was it was more difficult to break down for cleaning than an 870 or Mossberg 500.

I am not certain if the new winchesters are the same as the old design, but all in all if you're getting a good deal I'd say they're decent.

[ViPER395]

I read your thread about you experience last night, Scratch.

Making me reconsider.

Must not be a popular shotgun on CG with the lack of replies.

[G.F.C.]

The new SXPs are similar in parts interchangability with the 1300s but they are not the same. I have the 2015 SXP defender which has 2 sets of rails just behind the mag cap, a pic rail along the receiver, and rifle sights.

I took off the rear peep so I just have a big front post with 2 protective ears. With invector + choke tubes I shoot clays consistently with an extra full turkey choke and #8 shot.

Complete disassembly is much simpler than the 500 or 870 (I have all 3). The entire trigger group comes out with one pin, the bolt is easy, and the fact you can remove the mag spring and follower with the twist of the retaining plug (unlike the 500 mag tube or nothing-holding-it-in 870) is nice.

If you can get one at a good price I highly recommend. There are a few aftermarket stocks that are great and the ability to choke it really makes a 18.5" barrel more versatile.

[BOBGBA]

Must not be a popular shotgun on CG with the lack of replies.

While you may be right about it not being a popular shotgun. But did you really expect a lot of replies within 12 hours of your original post?

I'm think the shotgun discussion forum on CG is not a high traffic area. Except for those of us that are primarily shotgun shooters. Usually, there are only a couple of new posts on any given day.

[ViPER395]

True, i'm used to For Sale and Off Topic where there are 184 vultures at any given moment.

But did you really expect a lot of replies within 12 hours of your original post?

[code_blue]

I own an SXP Defender and I much prefer the controls over the 870. Mossberg has the preferred tang safety, but the quality of the Winchester is damn good and much better than Mossberg IMO. This is the same baseline that FN uses for their shotguns as they are essentially the same company.

It's a lightweight, quick pump shotgun imported from Turkey. Modifications may not be possible because of 922r, but I haven't looked into it enough to really make a proper determination.

I actually do have ATI aftermarket parts for sale and I'm sure you would've come across my thread. I may keep the extension tube that was made for the 1300, but it requires modification and of course the 922r potential issue.

You can't go wrong with it for sure. Aftermarket support is limited, however, but then again what do you really need?

[ViPER395]

I took a chance and bought an SXP on 12/31. The last day it qualified for rebate.