Remington 870 vs Winchester 1300

[BankShot]

As a kind of early inheritance I have been given the choice between a Remington 870 and a Winchester 1300. I know there are several variations of these models, but I don't have many details on the guns yet. I do know that both guns are of fairly basic configurations without any upgrades. I was just wanting to know in general terms is one of these considered a better shotgun than the other?

 

[Michigan Slim]

I've always found the 1300 to be a homely gun. JMHO

 

[erasure]

870 seems to have a better aftermarket.

 

[Axxe55]

I have owned a couple of each. Both are solid performers, but there is a boat load of parts and accessories for the 870 in the aftermarket.

If keeping stock, just flip a coin!

 

[Bigtanker]

870 seems to have a better aftermarket.

I think this is the key.

Are you just going to shoot it or add a few things here and there? If you're going to want to add fancy/taticool things, the 870 would be the way to go.

 

[SAILORGOLF46]

In my opinion if the 870 is a Wingmaster it is the better of the two, but if the 870 is an express model then as mention ealier its a toss up. Both will searve you well.

 

[huntall50]

I have both, but am just a fan of Winchester over Remington. Can’t go wrong either way.

 

[BankShot]

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like I can't really go wrong. Especially when it's free.

 

[98cirrus]

Is that receiver on the Winchester some kind of alloy? It kind of looks like it. I like the all steel receiver on the 870, and it seems to me the pump on the Winchesters have more "drag" or friction slowing down operation. They are still both better than the chinese crap.

 

[BankShot]

Is that receiver on the Winchester some kind of alloy? It kind of looks like it. I like the all steel receiver on the 870, and it seems to me the pump on the Winchesters have more "drag" or friction slowing down operation. They are still both better than the chinese crap.

I don't know about the receiver material of the 1300. I haven't even seen the guns yet and I have zero experience with shotguns. This will be my first. Hoping to get up there some time this month to check them out. I am leaning toward the 870 from what I have read here and will probably go with it unless something makes me change my mind when I see the guns in person.

 

[Leadeye]

I'm inclined to go 870, like Axxe55 says, lots of aftermarket goodies.

 

[yetti462]

870

 

[ECS686]

Nothing wrong wih the Winchester 1300 but the Remington 870 has a huge LE acceptance and thus as others mentioned a ton more aftermarket.

The Remington even in bankruptcy you can find a ton of factory OEM parts. Ore so than a Winchester since the new stuff is of Turkish manufacturing

 

[Expat]

In my opinion if the 870 is a Wingmaster it is the better of the two, but if the 870 is an express model then as mention ealier its a toss up. Both will searve you well.

This would be my answer also.

 

[Bstarkey_46947]

I prefer the slide release on the 870 over the 1300. They both perform equally all things considered.

 

[Steve]

I agree with Sailorgolf46. If the Remington is a Wingmaster, that would be the one to choose. A classic pump with an excellent look and finish. And definitely a better resale value. Nothing wrong with the Winchester, but the 870 Wingmaster pumps smoother and seems to mechanically a better choice. But you cannot go wrong with either gun.

 

[Mattdville16]

My first deer gun my dad bought me was a 1300. Had it 24 years now and never had an issue. Only issue over the years is my eyes, I’ve since went to a scope on it and at 50 yards it really shoots consistent for a smooth barrel.

 

[4651feeder]

Both are solid guns. The final decision IMHO should come down to condition of your choices and how well each feels in your hand and on your shoulder; not someone else's.

 

[2in1evtime]

If its a 870 wingmaster it will be more versatile and seems to hold value better, but if it is a express i would go with the winchester if they are in comparable condition,

 

[BankShot]

Both are solid guns. The final decision IMHO should come down to condition of your choices and how well each feels in your hand and on your shoulder; not someone else's.

I found out that the 870 is an Express, so like you said I'll just make a decision when I can see the guns in person. Thanks everyone for all the information.