Winchester "Defender"?

Drachenblut said:
I'm looking for one in pure wood and metal, stock, and will not modify it. Something about the old way they built them appeals to me. I really despise synthetic. It feels wrong in the hand, and it's not to my interest.
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Don't blame you, the wood/blued defenders just have that oldschool bad ass look just the way the came with the plain stock and ringed forend.
 
I've always liked the action and light weight of the Winchester 1200/1300 but their cheapish build and lack of hard use durability are the main reasons they aren't a lot more popular and common.
 
Had mine since 1988. Mine came original with plastic pistol grip and forestock though. I think it was $300 or so back then. It's been carried a lot of miles.
 
870P said:
I've always liked the action and light weight of the Winchester 1200/1300 but their cheapish build and lack of hard use durability are the main reasons they aren't a lot more popular and common.
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I'd argue the durability with you. Mine has never been abused, but it has been well used. Never a flaw.

Is it possible that when these models came out, or at leat were sold as the "defender" model, shotguns just weren't as popular as they are now? I've noticed an increase in interest over the last couple years that wasn't there before that I can remember. Everyone seem to want to "build" one now.
 
I love my defender. I was just shooting it tonight!

I have posted pics of it in this CGN thread here, but here is a quick one if you're too busy to see the other thread:

P1010062.jpg


I should warn you that it is a heavy gun, compared to most shot guns.

Also, since I took that picture, I lost the rear fiber optic Ghost ring site, so I have a plain black GR sight now instead, and I put a single point harness on it.
 
machman said:
The ejector spring on the Defender looks pretty light-duty compared to the competition...check it out for yourself.
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These guns were made right! Awesome, reliable, dependable and super smooth!!

I have yet to find another pump gun that cycles anything as smooth or as fast as theses Winchesters. Remington dominated in sales only because their marketers nailed down the LE contracts. I really doubt (and I have two 870's) the Remingtons are any better. On top of that the last few generations of 870's have been lacking to say the least.

Regards,
 
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I carry a Valtro PM-5 with a 14" barrel when I work in the arctic. Since I'm in and out of a helicopter all day I appreciate the box magazine - I can pull the mag and clear the action without pumping all the shells out of a tube mag like the Defender or 870.

The action is smooth and quick but heavy loads are a bit punishing with such a light shotty. A great tool, durable and well-built, but not a classic woody.
 
hometownhero said:
I bought a new sxp defender in the spring. defiantly a fun gun. never let me down thats for sure
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I bought one in the spring aswell and I thinks its an amazing shotgun. I've put 300 rounds of cheap Winchester and Federal target loads through it aswell as some 3'' slugs. The gun cycles smoothly everytime. It's a great weight, the stock has a good feel and the finish is very nice.
For $349 I'd recommend it to anyone:sniper:
 
I bought one of the new SXP defenders in the spring as well. I've put 50 slugs and buckshot through it and so far have no complaints. Seems like a pretty cool gun for the price. It'd be nice if there were more aftermarket goodies available for it though.

I'd love to get me one of the old defenders if I could somehow find an un-fired one for sale. That full length mag tube is the sh!t.
 
Zerex said:
I bought one in the spring aswell and I thinks its an amazing shotgun. I've put 300 rounds of cheap Winchester and Federal target loads through it aswell as some 3'' slugs. The gun cycles smoothly everytime. It's a great weight, the stock has a good feel and the finish is very nice.
For $349 I'd recommend it to anyone:sniper:
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Sounds like you need to shoot it more lol. I think I have put close to 1000 through mine and no issues.
 
I was a flaherty's several months back, the guy showed me a brand new defender(older model/synthetic) and said I could have it for $199. Like an idiot I didn't buy it because I wanted a fabarm. I still like my fabarm but I should have taken that too.
 
12.6envy said:
I was a flaherty's several months back, the guy showed me a brand new defender(older model/synthetic) and said I could have it for $199. Like an idiot I didn't buy it because I wanted a fabarm. I still like my fabarm but I should have taken that too.
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If it is still available yo should DEFINATELY go back and get it!

Regards,
 
Maybe advertize for a wood stock set, then you open up a wider selection of used Defenders.

My Defender is synthetic, I prefer plastic guns as the odd wood ding makes me feel bad.
 
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