PLEASE thoughts on NEW Winchester 101

blackdog_507 · April 14, 2011, 10:55 PM

I have just purchased brand new a Winchester 101 Sporting Pigeon. This gun has 30" Ported barrels, adjustable comb, and comes with 5 chokes (S, IC, M, IM, LF). This gun is discontinued from Winchester, and as such, is INCREDIBLY cheap. Its so cheap I don't even want to say what I'm paying for it because I don't want to answer questions as to why I'm getting such a good deal. Suffice it to say I probably couldn't buy a used field grade citori with fixed chokes for this price. I've heard that these newer guns are made in the same Belgian factory as new brownings, as FN owns both companies. Here is a link to a retailer who at one point carried the gun: http://hammerbackguns.com/index.php?...oducts_id=3432
I've been wanting an O/U for a long time and didn't think I'd be able to afford a quality gun. While I don't think this is as desirable as other brands, I think this is a great opportunity for me to get into a good gun where I wouldn't be able to normally afford one. If anyone could give me some thoughts, opinions, etc onthis gun, I would appreciate it.

.300 Weatherby Mag · April 14, 2011, 11:03 PM

The new Belgian made 101's I've handled seemed well built.. But the finishing and wood quality was IMO not up to par for the price.. I haven't seen one like yours in person, most of the new 101s I've seen have been the field model.. The finish quality was not up to the standard of the Browning Citori Lighting...

oneounceload · April 15, 2011, 12:38 PM

IF it fits you well, and you like it, then you got a deal no matter what you paid. In the past, 101's tended to not fit too many well and there were numerous reports of recoil issues bothering shooters. If they have now patterned the stock dimensions on the same Browning ones, it should be easier on most folks. I do wish they would offer target guns without extra barrel holes - porting isn't needed and is a PITA to clean and the side noise is loud

BigJimP · April 15, 2011, 02:51 PM

Sounds like you made a good buy ....

( and oneounce and I debate this often / but I like the ported barrels ..)

it keeps the riff-raff further back / where they belong ...

oneounceload · April 15, 2011, 02:54 PM

I KNOW you like them Jim - I just wish they offered it as a choice - "wit, or witout" as they say in Philly cheese steak circles.......

LSnSC · April 15, 2011, 03:32 PM

They are decent guns. Much better than the budget O/U's. If you can get it for a decent price jump on it.

blackdog_507 · April 17, 2011, 08:12 AM

Thanks all. The reason I asked for info is because prior to being presented with this opportunity, I'd never even seen a 101 before, but as I said, I couldn't pass up the deal. I'm happy I got it, and thanks for you input.

.300 Weatherby Mag · April 17, 2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Sounds like you made a good buy ....

( and oneounce and I debate this often / but I like the ported barrels ..)
it keeps the riff-raff further back / where they belong ...

I think its better yet with a model 12 with a Cutts on it

... Sounds like a small artillery piece...

April 14, 2011, 10:55 PM	#1
blackdog_507 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Posts: 73	PLEASE thoughts on NEW Winchester 101 I have just purchased brand new a Winchester 101 Sporting Pigeon. This gun has 30" Ported barrels, adjustable comb, and comes with 5 chokes (S, IC, M, IM, LF). This gun is discontinued from Winchester, and as such, is INCREDIBLY cheap. Its so cheap I don't even want to say what I'm paying for it because I don't want to answer questions as to why I'm getting such a good deal. Suffice it to say I probably couldn't buy a used field grade citori with fixed chokes for this price. I've heard that these newer guns are made in the same Belgian factory as new brownings, as FN owns both companies. Here is a link to a retailer who at one point carried the gun: http://hammerbackguns.com/index.php?...oducts_id=3432 I've been wanting an O/U for a long time and didn't think I'd be able to afford a quality gun. While I don't think this is as desirable as other brands, I think this is a great opportunity for me to get into a good gun where I wouldn't be able to normally afford one. If anyone could give me some thoughts, opinions, etc onthis gun, I would appreciate it.

April 17, 2011, 08:12 AM	#7
blackdog_507 Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Posts: 73	Thanks for the responses Thanks all. The reason I asked for info is because prior to being presented with this opportunity, I'd never even seen a 101 before, but as I said, I couldn't pass up the deal. I'm happy I got it, and thanks for you input.

April 14, 2011, 11:03 PM	#2
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	The new Belgian made 101's I've handled seemed well built.. But the finishing and wood quality was IMO not up to par for the price.. I haven't seen one like yours in person, most of the new 101s I've seen have been the field model.. The finish quality was not up to the standard of the Browning Citori Lighting...

April 15, 2011, 12:38 PM	#3
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	IF it fits you well, and you like it, then you got a deal no matter what you paid. In the past, 101's tended to not fit too many well and there were numerous reports of recoil issues bothering shooters. If they have now patterned the stock dimensions on the same Browning ones, it should be easier on most folks. I do wish they would offer target guns without extra barrel holes - porting isn't needed and is a PITA to clean and the side noise is loud

April 15, 2011, 02:51 PM	#4
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Sounds like you made a good buy .... ( and oneounce and I debate this often / but I like the ported barrels ..) it keeps the riff-raff further back / where they belong ...

April 15, 2011, 02:54 PM	#5
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	I KNOW you like them Jim - I just wish they offered it as a choice - "wit, or witout" as they say in Philly cheese steak circles.......

April 15, 2011, 03:32 PM	#6
LSnSC Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2010 Posts: 514	They are decent guns. Much better than the budget O/U's. If you can get it for a decent price jump on it.