Why not a Winchester?

[Adog5]

When recommending a shotgun, I keep reading about Remington/Mossbergs... but I don't hear anything about Winchesters?

My dad swears by Winchester 12 guages, so which is the most reliable shotgun? Pros/Cons of each?

[moulton]

When recommending a shotgun, I keep reading about Remington/Mossbergs... but I don't hear anything about Winchesters?

My dad swears by Winchester 12 guages, so which is the most reliable shotgun? Pros/Cons of each?

I would assume that there arnt as many acssessories around for winchesters and they are not made in the United States anymore as the factory was closed and now most winchester guns are made in Belgum...

Having said that, but the 870

[StraightShooter]

Nothing wrong with winchesters at all. I use one for dove hunting occasionally. It depends in what you want to use it for. There arent as many accessories you can get for a winchester compared to a Remington or Mossberg but I would trust my winchester just as much as my other shotguns. I would however choose an 870 over a winchester if buying a new shotgun unless the winchester was much better priced.

[MT1]

My Super X2 got it's maiden voyage today and was flawless. Personally I like the fit and finish of the Winchester's over the Remingtons. I would not compare a Mossberg to either one, not the same quality.

[Blue]

I've got a Winchester Defender and I like it wayyyyy more than my 590. Silky smooth action. The 590 can't even compete with it.

[maxicon]

I have a Win 1300 Defender too, and it's a fine gun - definitely smoother than the competition out of the box.

Still, the upgrade market is limited, and the resale value isn't great. You can't go wrong with one, but if you're buying new, the Mossberg or Remington are a better bet for the long run.

[scootergmc]

My Super X2 got it's maiden voyage today and was flawless. Personally I like the fit and finish of the Winchester's over the Remingtons. I would not compare a Mossberg to either one, not the same quality.

+1. I've had a Super X2 for years and it has NEVER failed me.

[Rugerman]

I got a SX3 after hearing about many excellent SX2's and I bit the bullet and couldn't be happier.

Winchester makes some great guns, no doubt. They also has fairly good ammo.

Plus, winchesters come with lifetime warranties.

[saki302]

Remington > Winchester > mossberg .. as far as modern production goes.

If you step back 50 years, try a Winchester model 12. I got one and sold my Rem 870..
It also fires every time you pump if you hold down the trigger

-Dave

[Sydwaiz]

Yup, nothing compares to a Model 12 (except the aftermarket support!)

[caduckgunner]

I have 2 Winchesters. I love them. I DON'T own a Remington Shotgun.

[Paradiddle]

My old defender is/was MUCH smoother then any modern shotgun I've handled. It is smoother then the Vang Comp 870, the Vang Comp Mossberg, the Benelli pump, and darn near as smooth as my old Ithaca and High Standard Flite King.

They just have a great action.

[BHPFan]

When recommending a shotgun, I keep reading about Remington/Mossbergs... but I don't hear anything about Winchesters?

My dad swears by Winchester 12 guages, so which is the most reliable shotgun? Pros/Cons of each?

Nothing wrong with Winchester shottys, but they don't make Defender or Tactical shotguns. FN took over that (see TPS and SLP) market (FN owns Winchester).

However, I think Winchester is still making hunting and competition shotguns.

Other than that, the only con of Winchester is that it doesn't have nearly the parts and accessories availability as for a Remington 870.

[ar15barrels]

I bought a Winchester 1400 (semi auto) at Walmart many years ago for $250.
Busted many clay pigeons with it without any memorable problems.
No aftermarket support for it though so if you like it how it comes, you are fine.
If you want to change it, Remington is the way to go.

All of this completely disregards Benelli though which are the finest shotguns that most of us can afford.
I shoot a benelli every month.
I shoot a winchester or remington maybe twice a year.