Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Why does everyone dislike Win 101 shotguns ?

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Why is there such bad thoughts and reports concerning Winchester 101 shotguns ?


Bought one back in 1982 or so. Shot trap with it for a couple of years even though it had short barrels. Still have it.

Think I have one or two more 101�s that I bought since then.


But you can�t find a supporter of Winchester 101 shotguns on any of the shotgun internet forums.

They all report that the 101 is the hardest kicking shotgun for its weight ever made.

And other nasty things too.


Everyone is a Browning Citori fan.

I like Citori's too. But can't somone like a 101 and a Citori ?


Thoughts ?


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The only 101s that I've owned were the Grand European combination guns or O/U double rifles. The combination gun guys hate the 101 combos and doubles because you can't regulate the barrels.

JEff

They tend to wear quickly and I've had two that the ribs came loose.They were very cheaply made for a '70's era gun...
I went to a Beretta years ago and never had another problem...

My only O/U shotguns are Remington 3200s.

JEff

You got yours` about the same time I got mine. Field grade, 26" barrels, choked IC and Mod. The gun fits me like a glove, therefore is the only shotgun I own, or have felt I`ve needed. It`s my very good friend. Can`t tell you how many grouse, woodcock, and pheasant have fallen to it, or clays when I shot skeet.
And, I`ve never had a mechanical problem with it either.

She`s cleaned, oiled, and placed in the safe now...waiting for me..

Maybe we`re just smarter than all else?

It is a love or hate shotgun..Those that own them,love them and those that don't,hate them.(:

Myself,I am a Winchester Shotgun lover with my Mod 50 being my personal favorite and my 1200 gets the not for a pumper.

Jayco

I have a Pigeon Grade 101 in 28 gauge and it's probably the last gun I'd get rid of.

I have owned several and still have my M101 Pigeon GradeTrap and the M5500 Sporting Clays Gun (European market). My trap gun has 32" barrels and I mostly shot 1 oz. loads in it, so recoil was not an issue. I gave my M101 Diamond Grade Single Barrel Trap Gun to my nephew, and he shoots it in his club league.

I have been thinking about selling them, but only because I don't shoot clays anymore.

jim

I bought my 20 gauge 101 new in 1971 for $200 on a close out sale. It has never needed repair and I've shot lots of birds and skeet with it. It would cost me more than $200 to replace it, so I won't. Besides, I hit better with it than any other shotgun I own, although my Beretta is close.

I forgot to note that I bought a set of spare ejectors just in case, but I have never needed them...jim

I never fired a M101 but used to want one until I found out they were made in Japan.

Count me as one of the love the 101 guys. I have a 20ga field grade that has a pretty piece of wood, nicer engraving than my Citori by far, slim and light in the hand. Much nicer put together than my Ruger Red Lable Sporting Clays. Until I read this thread I didn't know anybody who thought poorly of the classic 101.

As for made in Japan, what was the last quality American double gun? A Ruger? I also love my Ruger as a nice functioning, good looking gun, but open them both up and the Japanese made Winchester/ Moruko is much better built.

Grew up shooting a 101 Trap Pigeon Grade. Had a field stock that I swapped out to shoot a few ducks with when Dad wasn't looking. Found a Diamond Grade Trap Combo with 34" unsingle and 32" double and still shoot it. Put some weight in the stock and switched to a Kickeze pad and it doesn't kick too bad. Also found a 101 Waterfowler with 32" barrels along with screw in chokes. This gun was one of the few 101's made with factory Winchokes and I believe the only 32" barrels with both Winchokes. That Waterfowler is awesome for ducks and geese and gets to walk a pheasant field or two every year. The stocks generally do have cast which explains why they feel/fit good but might also have more felt recoil. Never had a mechanical problem with any of them and love to shoot them even if they do kick a little more.

I bought a Citori in the 80's and couldn't hit a thing with it. Looked nice, but just didn't fit me. Sold it and bought a 101. Best thing I ever did as far as shotguns go. Fits great, and I hit very well with it. Last time I went quail hunting, I missed two shots in getting a limit. One of the shots I knew I missed as I was off balance bad, the other was just one of those things. With the Citori, it would have been more like hitting two out of 17. I have heard of firing pin and ejector problems, but haven't had a hicup out of mine.

Count me as another 101 fan. Fits me better than any shotgun I have tried. Have owned several and love them. Never knew they were looked down upon.

Not only do I like the 101, I've never heard of anyone who likes O/U shotguns that doesn't.

Pretty obvious that everyone doesn't dislike 101's. Also pretty obvious that the OP usually starts a post with some inane/untrue statement in an effort to generate discussion... I just can't figure out why.

I bought a 20 gauge Model 101 in 1966 when I was 17 years old. It took almost a month's pay. I still have it along with the hang tag and the box. I killed a lot of game with that shotgun. It has never failed me. The Kodensha factory made good guns, just like Miroku does. Thanks...Bill.

I looked at the Win 101 and beleive it is too heavy. I eventually (1970's) bought a Browning Centuri SuperLight. At 6.5 pounds for a 12 guage it is light enough for field carry.

I like the 101 and find no glaring faults with them.

The Grand Europeans are an abomination, however. There is a reason they go cheap. They can't be re-regulated and shoot all over the place when warmed up by even the first shot.

Many years ago I got my son (then 10) a cheaper version of the 101...the 96 in 20ga 26" IC/Mod. We both still love that gun.