Winchester 101 Sporting for sale
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Winchester Model 101 Sporting 28" 12 Gauge Shotgun 2.75" Over Under, High Gloss - 513054492
Brand:
Winchester
Action:
Break Action
Barrel Length:
28"
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Capacity:
2
Marketplace Insights
★ 4.4/5
based on 20 customer reviews across 2 variants from 5 retailers
Excellent value shotgun for clay shooting with proven reliability over thousands of rounds, though early production batches had forearm cracking and trigger issues.
What customers like
Reliable Performance70%
have shot 3k+ rounds through it not one issue
Soft Recoil45%
this one has minimal recoil in my opinion
Great Value40%
Good looking gun for the money, not fancy by any means
Fit and Handling35%
this gun has been a pleasure to work with
Clay Shooting Performance30%
busts clays as good as any pretty gun
Common concerns
Forearm Cracking Issues30%
Forearm cracked all the way through. Literally feel apart in my hand
Trigger/Firing Problems20%
Out of box failed to fire. Sent out for repairs
Front Sight Issues5%
The front white sight bead sits too low
Frequently Asked Questions
Winchester 101 Sporting for sale
Is the Winchester 101 still being made?
Winchester discontinued the Model 101 when USRAC ceased operations in 2006. Browning has no involvement in the Model 101's production. Winchester's own product page now lists it as discontinued. Used examples remain widely available on the secondary market, typically retailing between $1,400 and $2,300 depending on the variant.
What makes the Winchester 101 special?
The Winchester 101 is a well-balanced, fast-handling over-under shotgun introduced in 1963 to compete with Browning. Known for smooth swing and reliable mechanics, it became popular for hunting and clay shooting. Higher grades, particularly the Pigeon Grade, earned strong reputations for fit, finish, and craftsmanship.
What is the difference between a field shotgun and a sporting shotgun?
Field shotguns are lightweight with shorter barrels, designed for carrying through terrain while hunting upland game or waterfowl. Sporting shotguns are heavier with longer barrels and wider sighting ribs, built for clay target disciplines where shooters fire many rounds and need better recoil management and swing consistency.
What is considered the best shotgun ever made?
"Best ever" depends on purpose and era. The Remington 870 is the world's best-selling shotgun with a proven 70-year record. The Browning Citori leads modern over-unders. The Winchester Model 12 earned the nickname "Perfect Repeater." No single shotgun suits every shooter or application equally.
What shotgun was called the widowmaker?
Winchester's Model 1911 SL earned the "Widowmaker" nickname because cocking it required grabbing the knurled barrel, which could cause the gun to fire prematurely and injure the shooter. It was Winchester's answer to the Browning Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun.
What hits harder, 12 or 20 gauge?
12 gauge hits harder. It fires heavier shot payloads with more powder, producing greater velocity and downrange energy. A 20 gauge kills effectively at typical hunting distances but delivers less payload and recoil. Your choice depends on the application, target distance, and how much recoil you can handle.