Has anyone bought, shot or seriously handled a current 101?

Thinking of buying one, and can't find one local to fondle.

Any feedback?

I believe the best day of shotgunning that I have ever experienced was with a borowed Winchester 101. My gun broke at the beginning of the event so I was given a 101 as a loaner. I would love to have one of my own someday.

A couple of days ago I was in our LGS. A customer was in picking up an old M101. It was not a standard grade, it had good wood and gold engraving on the side panels. Looked to be in 90% to 95% condition. The buyer told me he is 81.

I had one for a short while years ago and at that time found it to be heavier than I liked. Do not know what the current buyer plans to use it for. He was happy, however.

Jim

Are you gentlemen discussing the Winchester 101?

If you are, my son has a 20 gauge that is the sweetest machine I've ever held.

The new 101 shouldn't be allowed to be called a 101.

Go with the original.

Hey Battue,

What is wrong with the new one?

My apology, I just saw this.

The new models I've seen didn't impress me as being up to the quality standards of the originals, which had a reputation of being able to withstand heavy long term use. The originals would get a little floppy on opening if used hard, but it didn't seem to have any adverse effects.

How long will the new ones continue being made? Who knows in that they are not overly popular. Resale value goes to the original.

One downside to the original was they did have a reputation of being heavy kickers in the 12 gauge.

If I had to have an O/U made recently it would be Browning or Beretta. Both have proven themselves over time. Beretta especially; good looking and hard to break.