Winchester sxp defender

[Arkive]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first shotgun and I didn't want to break the bank. Do any of you have any first hand experience with the sxp defender or can you recommend a cheap alternative?

[jeffrice6]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy my first shotgun and I didn't want to break the bank. Do any of you have any first hand experience with the sxp defender or can you recommend a cheap alternative?

Alternatives ~ Rem 870, Mossberg 500/590 & Benelli Nova. Used, you could look at the same, plus Winchester 1200/1300 & FN.

That being said, I'm also looking into the SXP combo

[tm_jones123]

I'd like to pick up the new Win!

[SilentPea]

I have the non-defender version 4+1 vs 5+1 -- I quite like it. The action is smooth and much less "rattly" than the 500s and 870s I've shot in the past. The loading port/gate on the bottom is a little finicky, some (cheaper) shells get caught on the entrance of the tube -- I'm hoping that will go away with practice/wear in.

Absolutely nothing in terms of aftermarket at the moment. If you're lucky, you can find a sporting barrel for the defender, unfortunately there isn't a defender barrel for the sporting version. (the combos are based on the defender length mag tube)

Magazine extensions for the 1200/1300 fit the threads, but will require you to drill/file two indents in the end of your stock magazine tube. That that means you lose the spring retainer piece that is quite convenient (especially if you store/transport your shotgun broken down)

Stocks from the 1300 do not fit the SXP unless you find one from the first couple months of production. I saw a post about fitting an 870 stock to the SXP with minimal modifications, so that might work.

[Arkive]

Thanks for the info guys. Really the only thing keeping me from buying the spx is that it's not made in the USA and I'm a stickler for that. I'll look into the 870 but, about the 500/590, I've read a lot about recent quality control issues with Mossberg. Any thoughts on Ithaca?

[Arkive]

I guess I can scratch Remington off the list. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...wpost&t=742782