Winchester Defender: military/police use?

Slater · September 1, 2002, 06:20 PM

Someone asked me this the other day, and I didn't know the answer so I'll put it to the experts: Is the Winchester Defender used by any police/military forces? As far as I knew, the 870 was probably the preferred police shotgun. As far as military use, would/has the Defender passed any Military acceptance tests?

Al Thompson · September 1, 2002, 08:10 PM

Have not heard of the 1300 series passing any tests, but it's a fine shotgun. I have one and enjoy it.

In the early to mid '80's we had M1200 Winchesters in our arms rooms, so those would appear to have passed some sort of testing procedures. IMHO, the 1300 is a better SG than the 1200s.

m14nut · September 2, 2002, 02:07 PM

I too own a Defender, only in 20ga. Smooth!

Dave McC · September 2, 2002, 02:19 PM

The Winchester never was tested, TTBOMK. Winchester's design has no ambidextrous safety, knocking it out like the 870.

And like the 870, I bet they turn up in hot zones. Shotguns have a tendency to do exactly that, and give good service.

For the record, the Defenders and other 1300s I've used have been fine weapons. I prefer the 870, but if a 1300 was all thatw as available, I'd consider myself well armed...

jadams951 · September 2, 2002, 07:43 PM

My first duty shotgun that I carried for duty use was a winchester defender 1300. It was a fine shotgun and I never had any problems with it. It was 100% reliable for me. Now I carry a 870 though.

September 1, 2002, 06:20 PM	#1
Slater Member Join Date: January 19, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 84	Winchester Defender: military/police use? Someone asked me this the other day, and I didn't know the answer so I'll put it to the experts: Is the Winchester Defender used by any police/military forces? As far as I knew, the 870 was probably the preferred police shotgun. As far as military use, would/has the Defender passed any Military acceptance tests?

September 1, 2002, 08:10 PM	#2
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	Have not heard of the 1300 series passing any tests, but it's a fine shotgun. I have one and enjoy it. In the early to mid '80's we had M1200 Winchesters in our arms rooms, so those would appear to have passed some sort of testing procedures. IMHO, the 1300 is a better SG than the 1200s. __________________ http://www.scfirearms.org/

September 2, 2002, 07:43 PM	#5
jadams951 Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: Houston, Texas USA Posts: 295	My first duty shotgun that I carried for duty use was a winchester defender 1300. It was a fine shotgun and I never had any problems with it. It was 100% reliable for me. Now I carry a 870 though. __________________ Member: NRA, GOA, & TSRA

September 2, 2002, 02:07 PM	#3
m14nut Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2002 Location: United States Posts: 375	I too own a Defender, only in 20ga. Smooth!

September 2, 2002, 02:19 PM	#4
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	The Winchester never was tested, TTBOMK. Winchester's design has no ambidextrous safety, knocking it out like the 870. And like the 870, I bet they turn up in hot zones. Shotguns have a tendency to do exactly that, and give good service. For the record, the Defenders and other 1300s I've used have been fine weapons. I prefer the 870, but if a 1300 was all thatw as available, I'd consider myself well armed...