While perusing my favorite Internet Gun Emporium, I noticed a a clean old Winchester 1300 Defender. I was issued a Winchester Model 1200 ‘riot gun’ in 1980 and I recalled it being a good, slick-working shotgun. The 1200 was also military issue at one time and saw combat duty in Vietnam.
I purchased the 1300 in short order. Mine is a 12 gauge with the standard sporting-length magazine tube, an 18 ½” ‘Defender’ marked barrel and utilitarian wood furniture. It came equipped with an unmarked, all steel +2 extension that has proven absolutely reliable in use. Per Winchester, my 1300 was made in 1990. Studio one 3 crack torrent.
My wife and I shot some clay birds that afternoon. The 1300 is light and fast in the hands and a natural pointer from the hip or the shoulder. As long as I snap-shot clays quick, my hit rate with the 1300 was near 100%. The Winchester pad worked surprisingly well and this gun isn’t punishing at all.
Jan 14, 2013. Our database contains values of serial numbers through 5103248 which ended the year 1982. Our sources disagree a bit, but this seems to be the best set of data. Enter the serial number of your Winchester Model 1894/94 in the box below. Finding the Blue Book value of your new and used firearms, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, airguns, and blackpowder guns is easy with the number one source of gun pricing. This site provides values and information on firearms in a convenient online pricing guide format, and allows you to find out what your used guns are worth. EXTRA BARRELS: Winchester offered extra interchangeable barrels for its Model 42s, at customer’s request beginning in 1934. These extra sets of barrels are a rare option. Both barrels should have same barrel markings and matching serial numbers. Winchester Firearms Manufacturing Dates by Serial Number and Year 1866 through the early 1990s Below is the download link for a special resource for dating Winchester firearms. These pages were scanned from documents compiled over the years by the customer service department of Winchester Repeating Arms.
I patterned the 1300 at 25 yards on the 11×17 steel plate. This is one round each of Universal #8, one Federal 2 3/4″ Magnum 00 buck and a Super X slug. A good spread with birdshot, 7 of 9 buckshot on the plate and the slug printed just a couple of inches above the bead, though I pulled it bit right.
The old bead on this shotgun was more pumpkin-shaped than spherical, so I dig through my 3-56 beads to find a replacement. I originally tried a Bradley, but it was so big my slug groups at 100 yards grew a foot. I also went from not being able to miss a clay bird with it, to missing them half the time. I found a good, round 1/8 inch silver bead in the parts box and replaced the Bradley with it.
Range time to check the results… This target represents 1 round #8 Universal and 1 round Remington #0 12 pellet buckshot, 25 yards. I used Remington 2 3/4″ slugs this time; one each at 25, 50 and 100 yards. Then I fired one from across the pasture, a measured 196 yards. I held 6 o’clock on the bowl without thinking and it landed low-left on the paper. We don’t typically think of a bead sighted shotgun with as having this much reach, but you could sure make somebody leave you the hell alone at two football fields.
Gremlins…
The 1300 Series has some. Winchester advertised the 1300 as the ‘Speed Pump’ because its rotary bolt essentially unlocks on firing and if you’re holding back on the forearm a little, the action will open and the fired shell will eject. The temptation is to slam it forward; but if haven’t pulled the forend to its rear limit, you will short-stroke closed on an empty chamber. Forget the ad hype and run the 1300 like any other pump shotgun.
Another 1300 gremlin manifested itself in this shotgun- double-feeds. Should this misfortune find you, put the gun on safe, point it in a safe direction and punch out the pin that secures the trigger assembly. Remove it and clear the action from the bottom. Double-feeds occur when the primary shell stop has released a shell onto the carrier and the secondary shell stop fails to control shells remaining in the magazine. This is pretty easily remedied by tweaking the hook on the secondary stop toward the center of the shotgun; and it worked fine on this one. Why Winchester elected to bolt these onto the trigger assembly, instead of encasing them in receiver slots (870, 500) is beyond me. It was a recipe for failure, with icing provided by the next gremlin.
Remington brazes the magazine tube into the receiver of the 870 and I have long hated them for this. Mossberg gets it right by simply threading them into the receiver. On the 1300, Winchester used a plastic ‘magazine throat’ insert, pressed into the the receiver. When the 1300 was introduced, plastics were not nearly as advanced as they became 10-12 years later. So the 1300’s magazine throats are fragile. They also house the critical front end of the shell stops mentioned above; so a fracture in the magazine throat becomes a big deal. I must also mention Winchester hasn’t made the 1300 for 10 years and they aren’t making replacement parts. If you get in a bind and need parts, Midwest Gunworks is a factory recommended supplier who also has magazine throats. I may order one just to have it on hand.
Epilogue
Winchester 1400 Serial Number Lookup
In my opinion, the 1200-1300 Winchesters were too fragile for military or police issue. This certainly does not disqualify them as hunting or home defense shotguns. They are light, they handle well and they have very slick actions. I particularly like they way they are stocked. For me, they are very comfortable to shoot and operate. This 1300 threw excellent patterns for a duty/defense shotguns and despite its Spartan sights, it is downright deadly with slugs. It it needs a little TLC, I can do that. I like it and expect it has found a home here.
MODEL 1300 SERIES
Model 1300 XTR
Chambered for 12- and 20-gauge, with 3' chambers. Take-down gun offered with various length ventilated rib barrels, with screw-in choke tubes. Has blued alloy frame, with walnut stock. Introduced in 1978.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Waterfowl
Chambered for 12-gauge 3' only. Has 30' ventilated rib barrel, with screw-in choke tubes. Matte-blued, with satin-finished walnut stock and recoil pad. Introduced in 1984. Laminated WinTuff stock made available in 1988. NOTE: Add $10 for laminated WinTuff stock.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 New Shadow Grass
Introduced in 2004. This 12-gauge 3' gun fitted with 26' or 28' ventilated rib barrel, with choke tubes. Composite stock has New Shadow Grass camo pattern. Weight about 7 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 WinCam Turkey Gun
Similar to Model 1300 Turkey Gun, with green laminated hardwood stock. Introduced in 1987. WinTuff version available. NOTE: Add $20 for WinTuff version.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Stainless Security
Chambered for 12- or 20-gauge. Constructed of stainless steel. Has an 18' cylinder-bore barrel; 7- or 8-shot tubular magazine. Available with pistol-grip stock. NOTE: Add 50 percent for pistol-grip stock.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Turkey
Slide-action model features 22' ventilated rib barrel. Chambered for 3' 12-gauge shells. Supplied with choke tubes. Weight 7.25 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Realtree Turkey
Introduced in 1994. Features synthetic stock camouflaged with Realtree. Receiver and 22' barrel are matte finish.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Mossy Oak Break-Up Turkey
Same as above, with Mossy Oak Break-Up camo stock and gun. Introduced in 2000.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Black Shadow Turkey
Introduced in 1994. Features black composite stock, with non-glare finish on barrel, receiver, bolt and magazine. Barrel has 22' ventilated rib.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series III
Engraved receiver, camo stock, open sights on a 22' plain barrel. All metal and wood parts are non-glare. Comes with quick detachable sling. Offered in 12-gauge only. Weight 7.25 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Winchester 1300 Defender Serial Number Lookup
Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series IV
Introduced in 1993. Similar to Series II, with addition of 22' ventilated rib barrel. Stock is black laminated. Comes with quick detachable sling. Weight 7 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 NWTF Short Turkey
This 12-gauge fitted with an 18' barrel and extended choke tubes. Fiber Optic sights. Mossy Oak camo stock. NWTF medallion on pistol-grip cap. Weight about 6.5 lbs. Introduced in 2005.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Whitetails Unlimited Slug Hunter
Slide-action model features full-length rifle barrel. Chambered for 3' 12-gauge shells. Barrel choked Cylinder. Fitted with checkered walnut stock. Engraved receiver drilled and tapped for bases and rings, which are included. Comes equipped with camo sling. Weight 7.25 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Slug Hunter
Similar to Whitetails Unlimited model, without engraved receiver.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Buck and Tom
Introduced in 2002. Camo stock fitted with 22' barrel and choke tubes for deer and turkey. Receiver drilled and tapped for scope mount. Weight about 6.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Universal Hunter
Introduced in 2002. Features camo stock, with 26' ventilated rib barrel. Choke tubes. Weight about 7 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Black Shadow Deer
![Winchester Winchester](https://decg5lu73tfmh.cloudfront.net/gunvaluesboard.com/images/fbfiles/images/WIN___1300_PUMP_12_ga___WINCHESTER_GRIP_LOGO_v_1401703382.jpg)
Introduced in 1994. This 12-gauge features black composite stock, with non-glare finish on bolt, barrel, receiver and magazine. Barrel 22', with ramp front sight and adjustable rear. In 2000, offered with rifled barrel for shooting sabot slugs. NOTE: Add $25 for rifled barrel.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Black Shadow Field
Same as above, but fitted with 26' or 28' ventilated rib barrel. Chambered for 3' Magnum shells. Weight about 7 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Sporting/Field
This 12-gauge has 28' ventilated rib barrel, with five choke tubes. Checkered walnut stock. Black recoil pad. Weight about 7.5 lbs. Introduced in 2002.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Sporting/Field Compact
As above, with 24' barrel and 1' shorter length of pull. Introduced in 2002.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Walnut Field
This 12-gauge 3' gun fitted with 26' or 28' ventilated rib barrels, with choke tubes. Checkered walnut stock, with recoil pad. Weight about 7.25 lbs. Introduced in 2004.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Slug Hunter Sabot (Smoothbore)
Similar to Slug Hunter, but furnished with smoothbore barrel. Special extended screw-in choke tube that is rifled.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Upland Special
This 12-gauge slide-action shotgun fitted with 24' ventilated rib barrel. Straight-grip walnut stock. Weight about 7 lbs. Introduced in 1999. In 2000, offered in 20-gauge.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Upland Special Field
Introduced in 2004. Features 12- or 20-gauge 3' guns, with 24' ventilated rib barrel and choke tube. Checkered walnut stock, with straight-grip. Weight about 6.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Ranger
Slide-action shotgun is a lower-cost version of Model 1300. Furnished with hardwood stock. Available in 12- or 20-gauge, with 26' or 28' ventilated rib barrel. WinChokes are included.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Ranger Ladies/Youth-Compact
Available in 20-gauge only. Has 1' shorter than standard length of pull and 22' ventilated rib barrel. Choke tubes are included. Weight 6.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Ranger Deer Slug
Comes in two principal configurations: 12-gauge 22' smooth barrel, with Cylinder choke; 12-gauge 22' rifled barrel. Both chambered for 3' shells. Weight 6.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Ranger Deer Combo
Available in three different configurations. One: 12-gauge 22' smooth barrel. Two: 12-gauge 22' rifled barrel. Three: 20-gauge 22' smooth barrel. All configurations come with 28' ventilated rib barrel and WinChokes.
Model 1300 Ranger Deer Combo
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Ranger Deer Combo
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Defender Combo
Personal defense slide-action shotgun. Features 18' Cylinder choked barrel and 28' ventilated rib barrel, with modified WinChoke. Hardwood stock comes fitted to gun, with accessory pistol-grip.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Defender 5-Shot
Same as above, but furnished with hardwood stock only and 18' barrel.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Camp Defender
Introduced in 1999. This 12-gauge features a 22' barrel, with walnut stock. Magazine capacity 5 rounds. Barrel fitted with rifle sights. Weight about 7 lbs. Comes with Cylinder choke tube.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Defender 8-Shot
Same as above, but furnished with an 18' barrel, with extended magazine tube.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Defender Synthetic Stock
Same as above. Fitted with black synthetic full stock. Available in 12- or 20-gauge.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Defender Pistol Grip
Same as above. Fitted with black synthetic pistol-grip and extended magazine tube.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Lady Defender
Chambered for 20-gauge shell. Features an 18' barrel, with 8-round capacity. Pistol-grip stock. Introduced in 1997.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Stainless Marine
This 12-gauge slide-action shotgun comes with a black synthetic full stock. All metal parts chrome plated. Barrel 18'. Magazine tube holds 7 rounds. Weight 6.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |
Model 1300 Stainless Marine with Pistol Grip
Same as above, with black synthetic pistol-grip in place of full buttstock. Weight 5.75 lbs.
NIB | Exc | V.G. | Good | Fair | Poor |
$0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 | $0000 |