Winchester 1300 20ga HD conversion?

[Turo]

I was thinking about converting my winchester 1300 20ga into a home defense gun. (ie. pistol grips, side saddle, mag tube extension/new mag tube, etc)

Here's a current picture:


Does anyone have suggestions as to where to order parts (good/reputable stores), what parts to avoid, stuff like that?

One thing I would like to change is the magazine tube. Right now it has a 4+1 capacity, and I'd like to up that to 7+1 or 8+1 by means of a mag tube extension or a completely new magazine tube if possible.

Thanks, and all suggestions are welcome!

[Kendo671]

I bought all my HD conversion for my W1300defender from cheaper than dirt.com heres a link for you for you to check out.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SearchResults.aspx?catid=921&site=All+Products&num=10&q=winchester+1300+defender

the side saddle, mag tube extention and forehand grip can be found there as well.

[Kendo671]

My W1300 Defender is 12gauge though. Not sure if thats going to make a difference. heres some before and after pics for you.

[Turo]

My W1300 Defender is 12gauge though. Not sure if thats going to make a difference. heres some before and after pics for you.

Wow, awesome! That's exactly what I want to do with mine. Thanks for the info, it'll definitely be put to good use!

EDIT: I keep seeing the magazine extensions, but nowhere does it say if they are 12ga or 20ga... Is that because they are interchangeable? Surely not. But I'm always hopeful!

[BillCA]

Your 20ga Defender is a pretty good HD shotgun as it is.
If you want to extend the magazine and add a side-saddle carrier, that's probably more for your piece of mind than anything else. Be sure to get new magazine springs too.

I've found the pistol-grip stocks do NOT make it easier to wield a shotgun, especially indoors. I would also avoid folding or collapsable stocks unless there is a real need for them (i.e. to fit a trunk or chest to secure from kids in the house). This will avoid any DA looking at your shotgun as the NJCPD Chief did recently and pronouncing it "a weapon of war that has only one use - killing human beings."

A flashlight mount for a tac-light makes sense on a HD long-gun. In addition, pick up some 20-ga #3 buckshot for it. Winchester & Fiocchi both make a good load.

Keep it simple and easy to use.

[AgentAK]

I just gotta say that it's too pretty to "tacticool" out! Either get another gun, follow the suggestions of BillCA, or trade this one for a "tacticool" special if that's what you want.

[Turo]

I just gotta say that it's too pretty to "tacticool" out! Either get another gun, follow the suggestions of BillCA, or trade this one for a "tacticool" special if that's what you want.

Yeah, I do like it, but any of the mods I do, I want to be reversible. I still want to be able to change it back to a skeet/dove gun, but for now I want to go tacticool with it.

[BillCA]

I have the 12-gauge version and it works fine as it is.
I've looked at the sidesaddle unit and held a shotgun with one in place. I didn't like it that much. It interfered with holding it at the hip or waist level which is about where it'd be indoors. I just added the sling.


It's harder to load from the sling, but if I have to use a full magazine, it'll be to fight my way to the safe for the Mini-14 instead. Half the rounds on the sling are slugs, btw.

My 20-gauge is a 21" Remington 870 that's lighter and easier to handle. Four rounds of #3 + 1 slug.

[wilit]

I just had the mag tube swapped out on my 1300. FYI, Bolsa Gun Works in Westminster is the only place in CA apparently that has the proper jig to swap them out. I took it to the gunsmith Winchester suggested here in Nor-Cal and they had to send it to Bolsa.

Also, I've got an ATI collapsible stock on mine and I wouldn't recommend it. I think a Speedfeed with a pistol grip would be better suited to it.

[Turo]

I just had the mag tube swapped out on my 1300. FYI, Bolsa Gun Works in Westminster is the only place in CA apparently that has the proper jig to swap them out.

Interesting... I may have to look into that, Thanks!

Also, does anyone have info on the interchangeability of 12ga and 20ga stocks?
I have a feeling they are, but then again the receivers would be different widths right?

PS: I feel like I'm the only one with a 1300 in 20ga on the internet, even google searches for the 20ga come up thin.

[wilit]

Interesting... I may have to look into that, Thanks!

Also, does anyone have info on the interchangeability of 12ga and 20ga stocks?
I have a feeling they are, but then again the receivers would be different widths right?

PS: I feel like I'm the only one with a 1300 in 20ga on the internet, even google searches for the 20ga come up thin.

I'm 99% sure the 20ga and 12ga are the same receivers. A quick check at e-gunparts.com shows the 12, 16, and 20ga all share the same buttstock. Even the bolt carrier is the same which leads me to believe the receivers are the same.

[Turo]

I'm 99% sure the 20ga and 12ga are the same receivers. A quick check at e-gunparts.com shows the 12, 16, and 20ga all share the same buttstock. Even the bolt carrier is the same which leads me to believe the receivers are the same.

That's great news! Thanks for the effort too, I didn't really have an idea on where to look for that.