Winchester 1300 ????

[Rob7.62]

Just recently picked up a winchester 1300 with 18 inch and ranger barrels and wood stock, love the gun smooth and fit and finish seems to be nice but I've noticed there is not a lot of info on this gun. Can anyone tell me more about them done some web searches but was curious what are some weak points to look out for on it or any must have upgrades for these? Also wanted to know how old mine in serial number is L2381***. Any info would be great I've just seen a lot of trash talking from 870 owners but no real reasons why people don't like the. I currently have a mossberg 590A1 also but totally different gun but I love the feel of the winchester feels refined in comparison.

[jeffrice6]

Can't help with the age, but the 1300 is one hell of a scatter-gun!!! & one of, if not the fastest cycling pumps on the market.

[kellyhachihachi]

I have a Win1300 Field, Love it. You'll love yours too

[-hanko]

She's a far better weapon...

than the standard Mossberg 500 / Remington 870 starter guns recommended here.

[Rob7.62]

Just found out mine was made in 1990 here's a link to winchester for anyone else that may need it.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/files/images/wfa/2012-All/2012-Articles/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year----2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf

[DaleAGribble]

The 1300 is a fast and smooth cycling pump. I like the 1300 more than an 870. The way the bolt twists to lock up the action makes it smooth. Take a friend out that has an 870 and shoot them back to back and see what gun you like more.

[hcbr]

the 1300's were great as it was Winchesters version of the mossy 500 or remington 870. I have the more modern Winchester SXP, but the 1300's are as reliable and great to shoot like the other guys. congrats on the purchase and shoot the heck out of her!

[CCrawford]

First welcome to the family. Second, the Winchester 1300, 1200, and 120 are basically the same gun with different features here and there (wood, finish, etc.). Accessories are a bit harder to find in stores due to the gun being out of production for awhile, but eBay and other online shopping places (like here) can take care of most needs immediately. There are a couple of threads that are useful for base knowledge and can be found using the Google search up in the right hand corner (once you weed out the sales threads).

I do not know of any universal immediate fixes, must have accessories, or upgrades that all 1300s need. Some would argue that the aluminum receiver is a weakness, but I don't think so, as the bolt locks into the barrel and the receiver is not a stressed part of the system (like an AR). Some might object to the plastic trigger guard on some models, but they work and do not have a high failure rate. The guns work as is and it is really up to your needs and purpose/use of the gun.

There are barrels available in different configurations including 30" to 18" length, fixed and Win-Chokes, blued, camo, chrome, matte, rifled, smooth, vent ribbed, no rib, rifled sights, single bead, two bead, etc. See this post about barrel compatibility. Different stocks (straight, pistol grip, speed feed, etc.) are available. Lighted fore ends, railed fore ends, etc. as well. Different sights, scope mounts, side saddle ammo holders, etc.

Do you have specific questions we can answer?

Enjoy your new to you gun
Criss

[tpuig]

I have an old 1300 from a local police dept. Smooth as glass, and very well broken in. You can see the wear on the blueing from where it was placed in the shotgun rack in the car every shift. It's my "go to" gun for SHTF...

[mikey357]

Overall the 1300 is not bad. The only weakness that I know of is the shell stops. They are riveted on to the trigger group and the rivets can loosen which will cause feeding problems. Also the magazine tube has a plastic throat that is pressed in that can come either in a two piece or one piece configuration. If the throat cracks, then again feeding problems. If you google winchester 1300 feed problems all that is discussed on a few other sites.

[Bizcuits]

I have one and love it. Only complaint is where the release is located. For a righty its a pain. For that I'm now a mossberg man. The 1300 was my first gun and will forever be in my collection.