shaun s Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi I got my shot gun cert last week and at the weekend went and bought my first shot gun - Winchester 101, pigeon grade. I went into my local gun shop and explained what I wanted the gun for. Told them that I was new to the game and that I would be mainly pigeon/decoying and alike, so they pointed me in the right direction. However I'm not sure that their advise was right and now I think that this may not have right gun for what I need. Is this gun suitable for my needs? Winchester 101 pigeon grade 12 bore 2 3/4 serial no. 345495 chokes: FULL & IMP.MOD Barrel lenght: 30inch Would like to know the age of it too? I went for a quick walk on my permissioned land, had a shot on a crow about 30/40 paces flying from right to left and dropped it, well pleased! Went over to the wood to see if I could get any pigeons coming in to roost, only had one passer by and got that at about 30 paces out. So first two shots with this gun were a success. I've been using no.6 32grams clear pigeon cartridge Just some general info on the gun and some general advice would be much appreciated. I've been out shooting with an AYA side by side, that was my friends grandads gun, but the Winchester is a lot less forgiving on my shoulder!!! Could I try a different cartridge in the gun that would suit my needs? cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 They are some tight chokes in that for pigeon shooting/game especially if decoying pigeons strange that the OU is less forgiving than a side by side as it will be heavier and absorb more recoil, try 30g #6 shot if its too uncomfortable for you or get a rubber recoil pad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 (edited) As above already suggested but a check on gun fit would not go amiss either , bad fit or loose mount will increase recoil feel, and on an auto from a s/s it should feel less even with 32 gram. Edited July 28, 2009 by deny essex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjimlad Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Good guns which last well. Sounds like it fits you OK if you have had such success with it ! It does seem a little tightly choked - I prefer 1/4 and 1/2 but keep it as it is for now & see how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pendle Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 shaun s . dont try steel in this chokes to tight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter-peter Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 what you have there my lad is a cracking gun. between 25 and 30 years old. hang on to it they where made in the usa. and are built to last forever. I have the same gun. but the sporter choked at 1/4 and 3/8. I paid around £500 for it it is pristine looks like new. I have a queue of people wanting to buy it. they havn't got a prayer one of the lads offered me £750 . no chance for a gun of this quality you would pay over a grand. and they dont come on the market often if the chokes are too tight you can have it bored out its worth the money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Were the older 101's not made in Japan at the same factory as Nikko? I have an old 101 which I cut the stock down for the lad. As for the chokes you can have them opened up for about £30 a pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter-peter Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Were the older 101's not made in Japan at the same factory as Nikko? I have an old 101 which I cut the stock down for the lad. As for the chokes you can have them opened up for about £30 a pair. the older ones where usa before they let the japs have them. the guns are of a very high quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stamford Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Must admit that my 101 does tend to let me know when Ive been out all day with it ! Find it a tad too heavy, thats why I opted for a Beretta Semi Auto, so much lighter and easier on the shoulder too. The 101 has been a great gun for me, had it about 8 years now and has never skipped a beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Excellent gun. The match of any modern gun of similar price - ie Beretta, Browning / Miroku. Chokes seem tight to me and I would probably have them opened up slightly. Easy job and cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweedledee Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 i sold my xtr supergrade sporter and would buy it back in a heartbeat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swift4me Posted July 30, 2009 Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 I've never seen any US made 101's, but the Japanese 101s are great shotguns for the price. When they came out, and for several years after, they were sort of a yawn for many as the Belgian Brownings were easy to come by and the Citori was viewed as a better Japanese product, but in the years since the 101 has really gained a great reputation for solid performance. I have the same gun in 28 inch Mod/full, and it does move you around a bit. It was the first shotgun I bought when I moved to France in 2000. I haven't looked lately, but I think they have short forcing cones as well, so if you open the chokes, you might consider doing those too. Enjoy, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun s Posted July 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 I went for a quick walk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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