Winchester Model 1300

The Winchester Model 1300 series has long been held in high regard as a classic shotgun series since its inception in 1978. The family alone carries with it some 32 variations on the base Model 1300 design and cover the gamut of uses - from military and police, to security and sport shooting. With all its available models, the Model 1300 can be found in 12- or 20-gauge with varying barrel lengths and non-glare, satin glossy or camouflage finishes to suit the taste of the operator. Most feature the usual seven- or eight-round tubular magazine and the patented Speed Pump system by Winchester.

In some forms, the Model 1300 can handle both rifled and buckshot slugs and all operate from a conventional pump-action slide system. The slide-action is billed as one of the fastest operating systems available to any shotgun of this type. Construction is of steel, aluminum and composite materials and some variants allow for the interchangeability from a full stock to a pistol grip style handle. Some also offer sling swivels and mounting options for scopes and sights as needed as well as adjustable TRUGLO fiber-optic sights.

Design is conventional and features a rectangular receiver with slab sides and an ejection port to release spent shell casings. The magazine is a connected tube held underneath the barrel. The barrel protrudes ahead of the tube magazine. Some seven shot models can, in fact, hold up to eight rounds when one is chambered, ready to fire, in the receiver - leaving a full eight slugs in the magazine tube. Some Model 1300s feature a rearward placed slide for a quicker response and easy reach for younger shooters. The trigger is held in an oblong trigger ring. The stock contours into an ergonomic hand grip which can be traditional or a straight "English" style design. As mentioned, the stock is optional on some models and replaced entirely by a pistol-style grip for concealment and portability. "Marine" models are designed especially for operations in salt-infested areas such as those along a coast, where salt can corrode an otherwise fine piece of craftsmanship.

Combat forms of the Model 1300 include the Model 1300 Defender, Police, Slug Hunter, Marine and Stainless Security. Due to its high magazine capacity and shorter-than-normal barrel length, the Defender is banned for use in some European countries. Regardless, the type maintains a healthy following across the world, particularly in the United States for both sport and home defense use.

See variants listing for full family line.

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Last Updated: 7/14/2010 • Special Thanks to Edward P.