Hey guys, just made a few trades into a Winchester 101 from the late 60s. I intend to primarily shoot lead for trap and skeet games but the PO warned that due to its age it may not be wise to run steel shot should I choose to hunt with it. It seems that late 60s isn't so old but should I be concerned. I can't wait to get my hands on this, my first o/u.
Winchester 101 steel ammo?
- Thread starter new210/22
- Start date
I owned a early 70's Browning Citori Hunter in Full over Modified with select barrel switch.
At the time Steel was 10 years into law for waterfowl and at time of purchase part of the deal was to have the full choke reamed for steel shot compatibility.
Of course I read and re-read what Browning suggested.
Shot a case of steel shot number 2 and less with no ill effects, sold the gun the following season for one reason or another.
Kinda late to the game on doing research on steel shot compatible though in this instance, but it is your gun your choice to run it how you see fit.
Rob
At the time Steel was 10 years into law for waterfowl and at time of purchase part of the deal was to have the full choke reamed for steel shot compatibility.
Of course I read and re-read what Browning suggested.
Shot a case of steel shot number 2 and less with no ill effects, sold the gun the following season for one reason or another.
Kinda late to the game on doing research on steel shot compatible though in this instance, but it is your gun your choice to run it how you see fit.
Rob
For myself, I would not take a nice old gun like a Winchester Model 101 and shoot steel out of it or have the chokes opened up.If you never plan on selling the gun, it might be okay to open the chokes up,but the Model 101 is starting to gain a following in the collector group.Opening the chokes, would in my opinion devalue any resale value in the gun to a collector.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
I see your point about late in the game, but this is more an academic question as I have a mariners pump for fowl if I so choose.
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
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For myself, I would not take a nice old gun like a Winchester Model 101 and shoot steel out of it or have the chokes opened up.If you never plan on selling the gun, it might be okay to open the chokes up,but the Model 101 is starting to gain a following in the collector group.Opening the chokes, would in my opinion devalue any resale value in the gun to a collector.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
I’ve been shooting steel through my 80’s Pigeon Grade 101 since we were mandated to do so. I have thousands of rounds through mine without any issues. I just followed Winchesters reccommendations on choke/shot size combinations. I am fortunate enough though that mine has factory screw chokes.
Sounds like it is okay with steel in guns with choke tubes in 1980 Model 101 guns.I believe the gun in question, is a fixed choke gun from the 1960's.If one opens the chokes up on one of these old guns ,it could hunt the collector value of the gun.The Model 101 is starting to gain some appeal in the collector world and no doubt that will only increase with time.
At present time ,the collector value of most Japanese Model 101 guns , except for the 28 gauge and 410 is not great,but the interest in the Japanese Model 101 has been starting to grow of late years and prices are starting to rise accordingly . $600.00 is quite an increase ,from a gun that could have been had in gauges other than 28 gauge or 410 ,just a few years ago for $300.00.
No reason to think they will not continue go higher,at this point in time.Again, just my opinion.
At present time ,the collector value of most Japanese Model 101 guns , except for the 28 gauge and 410 is not great,but the interest in the Japanese Model 101 has been starting to grow of late years and prices are starting to rise accordingly . $600.00 is quite an increase ,from a gun that could have been had in gauges other than 28 gauge or 410 ,just a few years ago for $300.00.
Again, just my opinion.
Both my 101s were fed a diet of steel and lead The 12 magnum --plenty but none larger than #4. The 20 not plenty. They both survived and are still shooting in the new owners hands. I sold the 12 for $1400 4 years ago. $900 for the 20 two years ago, still regretting selling the 20. Fit me like a glove. 12 was heavier than shyte, but hit everything I hoped it would! My recently acquired Browning A5 20 magnum has taken it's place in great fashion though!
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The early 20 magnums were relative lightweights and had a fair bit of push, but the 12 Magnums were 8.5 lbs. or so weren't much more than the 20 with 3".
hammering hank
CGN Regular
- Location
- Barrie north of
Personally I haven't and never will put steel through any of my 101's for fear of a ring bulge OR splitting the barrel webb. Imo the barrels are too thin, lead or the rich man's ammo (tungsten or bismuth) but I'm not rich so I'll just use other guns for steel. Still use the lead out of them for woodcock as the law still let's me and I'm not over water, wish I could do the same for doves.
hammering hank
CGN Regular
- Location
- Barrie north of
Ultimately your gun and choice and I'm sure several on here will argue to go for it...... to each their own though
I agree for field grade different barrel altogether on the magnums. My 12 mag was full / mod. more beef!
At present time ,the collector value of most Japanese Model 101 guns , except for the 28 gauge and 410 is not great,but the interest in the Japanese Model 101 has been starting to grow of late years and prices are starting to rise accordingly . $600.00 is quite an increase ,from a gun that could have been had in gauges other than 28 gauge or 410 ,just a few years ago for $300.00.
Again, just my opinion.
been around a long time, owned many 101's of varying ga's, I can assure you I've never in my life seen any 101 selling for 300$. even a beat up field grade will fetch 500+. any old model in good to very good condition is worth 800 or better. Pigeon grades much more. I've seen 410's in very good condition get 2000$ US. My dad bought me my first shotgun in 1975 ,I was 12 years old, it was a 101 20ga, i'm pretty sure he paid the better part of 1000$ back then, he traded in his dads WW2 bring back luger for it plus . he had no idea about pistols and didn't want it in the house. thankfully i still have that 20 ga.. If you see one advertised for 300$ somewhere please PM me, i'll buy it sight unseen.
