Winchester Defender 1300 Question

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mod 23

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Hi Guys and Gals

I am new here so wanted to say hi and ask a couple of questions.

I have just purchased a Winchester Defender 1300 12 gauge 3" in synthetic stock with both regular stock pistol grip. It is in good condition and looks like it has seen minimal use. I fell in love with the thing and I paid $400. Is this a reasonable price?

Secondly I got this scatter gun because of a 2-3 year old bear that keeps wanting to stalk me and the dogs on our walks in the nearby woods. Last summer it tried to take one of my pointers and charged me twice. He was discouraged but not convinced with a bear banger. The CO's are aware of the situation and won't do anything because the hounds are off leash. Apparently this is unusual for the supposedly docile Island bears.

I plan to reduce the shotgun to pistol grip in the off season. I have a sling but was thinking I might use a slingable scabbard. My reason for this is the area is used by other hikers/dog walkers who take great offense to my training collars so I know they will freak at the sight of a firearm. Very much an anti crowd around here.

Anyone suggest where I can get a slingable scabbard that does not require a tactical vest? I can't seem to find anything on line. My walk is 6-8 km so I am looking for something comfy.

The area is open to use of shotgun and the firearm will be a last resort defensive option. Mr. Bear is back now and followed me again. I have no reason to believe the bear will be any less aggressive. I have run into other bears and even a cougar but I don't know why this particular bear is in love with my dogs.
 
If you've already paid the money, don't look back. You may find a better deal now and again but why even look? If your happy then move on.
PM Sent!!!
 
Decent price - I've seen 'em maybe a bit cheaper used, but it's an excellent shotgun. I personally prefer mine to my 870s. I don't think you'll regret buying it :)
 
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Scabbard for shotgun

Have you considered modifying a small backpack? MEC has some good choices. This way, it would conceal what you are carrying and allow you to bring a water bottle and bowl for the dogs. Plus some extra ammo if required!
Geoff
 
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mod 23 said:
Hi Guys and Gals

I am new here so wanted to say hi and ask a couple of questions.

I have just purchased a Winchester Defender 1300 12 gauge 3" in synthetic stock with both regular stock pistol grip. It is in good condition and looks like it has seen minimal use. I fell in love with the thing and I paid $400. Is this a reasonable price?
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I've seen them listed on Elwood Epps site used for between $300 and $395 depending on condition.

They currently have a Winchester 1200 Defender listed for $299 in "good" condition. Not sure what the difference between the 1200 and 1300 is though.
 
You could also get a backpack made by Eberlestock. They have gun scabbords built into them.
IMO if you are planning putting a pistol grip in your shotgun, I recomend also putting on an adjustable M4 style butt stock, just for accuracy sake. I have that setup on my 1300 and use it for bear protection at work. I had to use it and was happy with the results. Me 1 bear's 0.
 
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I would recommend keeping the full length stock. You should pack slugs if the bear is coming at you as buckshot won't be as lethal and powerful. So shooting slugs with a pistol grip is really going to hurt and you won't be able to aim them as well.
 
Not sure what the difference between the 1200 and 1300 is though.
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I have the 1300 and know it was based on the 1200 but I don't know what changed. I do know I like it and though I don't shoot all that much I find it reliable.

I was looking for a home defender (a long story from the distant past that worked out quite ok), and had a choice between the Win 23 and a Rem 870 and since we owned a Winchester as a kid, I chose it. This was a long time ago and the price was quite a bit lower...

The barrels a bit too short for serious hunting but then, here on Van Island, how often do you get to take a long shot anyway, :)
 
PS: My son bought a Dominion Arms Outlaw and I think I will be taking that with me when we go out up-country. A 'close up and personal' piece for sure.
 
you might want to re-think a scabbard as opposed to a sling- i use a scabbard on horseback all the time and the sling mount deploys far quicker - you might wantto look at the various sling mounts - there's other methods of slinging than the traditional over the shoulder - like the african carry or a 2 or 3 point mount- something where you actually USE the sling without dismounting it
 
1200 - Longer forearm, most are 2 3/4", original guns had no vent rib and had fixed chokes

1300 - 3" magnum, shorter forearm, bolt carrier and bolt are slightly modified from the 1200, vent rib, winchoke system, bolt isn't jeweled like on the 1200
 
Good choice on the 1300. i would also suggest you keep it with full length stock. Aiming with a pistol grip sucks and when that bear is coming you will want something solid. As far as a scabbard goes... a sling would be quicker. But if you are set on a scabbard then you could get a good one from pocomilitary.com. I got one from them for my 1300 and it works great. It is padded and fits snug. It also fits with a tactical light and a side saddle. Have fun.
 
The trigger group in the 1300 is a complete intact unit.
while the 1200 has the two shell control rods seperate from the trigger group.
 
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