Winchester Model 101 Field Shotgun Review — Specs, Variants, Price, Hunting Use & Real Feedback

Winchester Model 101 Field Shotgun Review — Specs, Variants, Price, Hunting Use & Real Feedback The Winchester Model 101 Field is a premium over-and-under shotgun built for hunters and clay shooters who demand balance, reliability, and timeless craftsmanship. This article offers a complete, fact-checked review of its design, variants, calibers, performance, pricing, accessories, and user feedback. --- Table of Contents Winchester 101 1. Introduction to the Winchester Model 101 Field 2. History and Legacy of the Model 101 3. Design and Build Quality 4. Available Variants and Modifications 5. Technical Specifications 6. Caliber Options and Effective Range 7. Hunting Applications 8. Pricing and Market Position 9. Chokes and Accessories 10. User Reviews: Pros and Cons 11. Why Shooters Choose the Model 101 Field 12. Interesting Facts and Collector Value 13. Final Thoughts --- 1. Introduction to the Winchester Model 101 Field The Winchester Model 101 Field is a refined over-and-under shotgun designed for upland bird hunting, clay sports, and all-around field use. It combines classic styling with modern engineering, offering shooters a lightweight, responsive, and durable platform. Though discontinued in recent years, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors. --- 2. History and Legacy of the Model 101 Originally introduced in 1963, the Winchester Model 101 was designed to compete with high-end European over/unders. Manufactured in Japan by Olin Kodensha, the 101 quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional balance, tight lock-up, and elegant walnut stock. The Field variant was tailored for hunters, while Sporting and Pigeon Grade models targeted competitive shooters. Today, the Model 101 Field is prized for its low-profile receiver, smooth swing, and timeless aesthetics, making it a go-to choice for upland hunters and trap shooters alike. --- 3. Design and Build Quality The Model 101 Field features: • Grade II/III high-gloss walnut stock with 20 lines-per-inch checkering • Deep-relief engraved receiver mimicking original 1960s styling • Low-profile action for faster target acquisition and reduced felt recoil • Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad with white line spacer • Hard chrome-plated chambers and bores for corrosion resistance • .742” back-bored barrels for dense, even shot patterns • Massive locking pins and hinge surface for long-term durability The shotgun is built to last, with 49% more hinge surface area and 30% more locking lug contact than many competitors. --- 4. Available Variants and Modifications While the Field model is the most popular, Winchester offered several variants: • Model 101 Field — standard hunting configuration • Model 101 Deluxe Field — upgraded wood and finish • Model 101 Light — reduced weight for easier carry • Model 101 Sporting — longer barrels and porting for clay shooting • Model 101 Pigeon Grade Trap — adjustable comb and rib for trap shooters Each variant was available in multiple barrel lengths and gauges, tailored to specific shooting disciplines. --- 5. Technical Specifications • Type: Over-and-under shotgun • Action: Break-action • Gauge: 12 gauge (most common), also available in 20, 28, and .410 • Chamber: 2¾” and 3” • Barrel Lengths: 26”, 28”, 30”, 32” depending on variant • Overall Length: ~45.75” • Weight: ~6.75 to 7.4 lbs depending on model • Trigger: Single selective trigger • Safety: Top tang safety with barrel selector • Sights: Brass bead front sight • Finish: Tungsten Cerakote (on newer models), gloss bluing (classic) --- 6. Caliber Options and Effective Range The Model 101 Field is available in: • 12 gauge — most versatile, effective up to 40–50 yards • 20 gauge — lighter recoil, effective up to 35–45 yards • 28 gauge / .410 — ideal for small game and close-range shooting Effective range depends on choke selection and shell type. With proper loads, the 101 Field excels in pheasant, quail, dove, duck, and turkey hunting. --- 7. Hunting Applications The Winchester Model 101 Field is ideal for: • Upland bird hunting — pheasant, grouse, partridge • Waterfowl — ducks and geese (with 3” chamber and steel shot) • Turkey — with full choke and magnum loads • Small game — rabbit, squirrel • Clay sports — trap, skeet, sporting clays Its balance and swing make it especially effective for fast-moving targets in dense cover or open fields. --- 8. Pricing and Market Position As of 2025, the Model 101 Field is no longer in production, but available on the secondary market: • Standard Field model: $1,800–$2,300 USD • Deluxe Field / Light: $2,300–$2,800 USD • Sporting / Pigeon Grade: $2,800–$3,500+ USD depending on condition --- 9. Chokes and Accessories • Choke system: Invector-Plus™ • Included chokes: IC, M, F (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full) • Threaded barrels allow easy choke changes • Accessories:• Hard case or leather slip • Snap caps for dry fire practice • Cleaning kit • Recoil pad upgrades • Sling swivels (aftermarket) --- 10. User Reviews: Pros and Cons Pros: • Excellent balance and swing • Durable receiver and locking system • Elegant walnut and engraving • Reliable trigger and safety • Versatile for hunting and sport shooting Cons: • No longer in production • Heavier than some modern alloy-frame shotguns • Limited aftermarket parts • No factory left-handed version --- 11. Why Shooters Choose the Model 101 Field Hunters and clay shooters choose the Winchester Model 101 Field for its heritage, handling, and build quality. It’s a shotgun that feels alive in the hands — responsive, elegant, and built to last. Whether you’re walking cornfields for pheasant or breaking clays at the range, the 101 delivers. --- 12. Interesting Facts and Collector Value • The original Model 101 was manufactured in Japan by Olin Kodensha, known for precision machining. • The 101’s low-profile receiver was revolutionary in the 1960s • The Model 101 was used by competitive shooters in Olympic