Winchester 101 12 gauge 1980s Field Grade

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Vancouver B.C.
Hello, I have a chance of picking up a Winchester 101 from the early 1980s. I am guessing it is a field grade, papers say G-1011. The barrel length is 30 inches long. and it takes 2 3/4 inch shells. It is in very good condition. I believe it was made in Japan as serial # K3860**. The barrels are full and modified fixed chokes. The price I have been asked for is $700. I am finding little information on the web. Is this a fair price? I am thinking it is very fair. Are the barrels okay for steel shot? I think they are chrome lined. Any more positive information would also be good. Thank you.
 
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$ 700 is not at all out of line for VG Condx.

For steel shot, I would visit a reputable gunsmith to have the chokes reamed out ... at least the full choke reduced to modified.
Many find I/C & I/C to pattern steel well. A lot of guys had the chambers lengthened in their 101's ( I did, 3 of mine) to aid in patterning and to reduce the amount of felt recoil. The lengthened chambers and a good Pachmayr Old English Decelerator both helped.

The Olin/Kodensha 101's from '63 to '88 were a decent gun.
 
With 30" barrels and Full and Modified chokes, it was probably intended as a waterfowler. Still could serve the purpose if the chokes were reamed out a bit, but it can make a great ATA trap gun as is.
 
Just make sure this is not a 1001 (ten o one). Browning/Winchester sold them for a short time in the late 90's. There was a design flaw that was rumoured to involve the gun blowing up. Whatever the problem, it was bad enough all guns were recalled and the owners given a gift certificate for the value of the gun towards the purchase of a new Browning/Winchester product.
 
Hello again, thank you for all the input. I picked up this Winchester today, here is what I acquired.











And a bonus Abercrombie & Fitch Deluxe cleaning kit.
 
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Yes I did not haggle on the asking price. The seller said he had only put three boxes of shells through it. I figured it would be a long time before I was going to see another one in this condition. I am happy thank you.
 
He even through in a scotch duck call ! Very nice indeed congrats !

Y'a done good on the 101. As for the Scotch Duck Call ( a.k.a. "Horsecock" ) ... no self-respecting waterfowler would be caught dead with such a rude contraption. Get it out of the gun case & bury that thing - or at least hide it away ! ;)
 
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