I have heard a few say that the 870 is better than the 1300. But I have yet to hear why? Can anyone tell me what makes the Rem 870 so much better than the Win 1300? Specifically I am going to buy a 20 pump for my 10 yr old son. And have considered both.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

[ 10-27-2003, 23:48: Message edited by: gundog ]

Steel recevicer on the 870. Just a dam better shotgun all around. I have seen nothing but proplems with the new winchester shotguns. Those made after the model 12 one the best.. A 870 well go thousands of rounds before anything happens to them easy to fix if it does ,lots of used barrels if your looking for something differant.

I own both, and I feel the 870 is just a better quality, more durable gun.
And there is more aftermarket "stuff" for the 870.

Gundog: I too have owned both shotguns. The Remington 870 is much easier to field strip for cleaning and its steel receiver makes for less felt recoil. There are also many aftermarket parts and barrels (Mossberg even makes barrels for it) compared to the Winchester. But, the proof is in the pudding; try both and see which one fits you best.

Thanks for the replies. I guess we will take what ever fits him.

The steel receiver vs aluminum isn't an issue for me. I have a win mod 1200 that has an aluminum receiver that I have had since 1978. I do not know how many rounds I have put through that shotgun, but it is basically the only shotgun I have used for the better part of 25 years (not counting the few times I have taken my single shot .410 rabbit or squirel hunting). No failures at all. Do I think it is the best shotgun there is? No. But for comparably priced shotguns is there really that much difference between the 870 and the 1300? It sounds more a personal taste issue, like a Ford vs. Chevy thing to me.

Thanks again to all.

Mark.