Ruffed Grouse Society Winchester 101 The Grouse Gun 12 GA O/U Shotgun, 1984
SOLD FOR: $2730
LSB#: 220426DG004
Make: Winchester
Model: 101 “The Grouse Gun”
Serial Number: RGS-12-7E
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger (mechanical) and Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “Custom Built for The Ruffed Grouse Society by WINCHESTER -12 GAUGE- 2 3/4” & 3″ / EAST ALTON IL, U.S.A.” Both barrels are marked with Winchester proof marks. The left of the monoblock is marked “IM” above and “IC” below the ejector arm, the bottom-left of the block is marked “7”, the bottom of the left-rear lug is marked “12-3” in oval. The top of the rib is marked “The Grouse Gun”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The inside of the forend and forend iron are each marked “7”. The water table has a “WP” proof. The top tang is marked “RGS-12-7E”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “WINCHESTER”. The receiver has foliate scroll engraving surrounding scenes with a pair of ruffed grouse in flight on the left, a pointer and a grouse on the right, and on the bottom is a ruffed grouse in flight done in molded 24K gold. The engraving motif continues on the guard, lever, and exposed portions of the forend iron and latch assembly.
Barrel Length: 25 1/2”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Improved Modified over Improved Cylinder, both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 0.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut. The forend has a slight schnabel tip and finger grooves running the length on each side. The buttstock has a semi-pistol grip, carved fleur-de-lis accents in the cheeks, with straight comb and a black rubber Winchester buttpad. There are a few minor marks in the belly, on the left of the forend below the finger groove and there is some crazing in the finish at the front of the comb. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some light wear. The rubber is still supple. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels have some light wear under forend from assembly/disassembly, concealed when assembled. The action shows operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play. The safety does not return to safe when the action is opened, but functions properly when engaged manually. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The iconic Model 101 is a shotgun with legendary styling and handling and the unquestionable reliability you expect from Winchester firearms. This example is perhaps the most rare 101 variant ever made. In 1984, there were 250 “Grouse Guns” made for the Ruffed Grouse Society. The great majority of these guns were chambered for 20 gauge, there were 25 matched pairs of 12 and 20 gauge guns, and it is believed that no more than 50 individual 12 gauge guns were produced. The guns were not only specially marked and engraved for the RGS, but the stocks were thinner than standard 101 factory dimensions to help trim some weight. The gun has 25.5″ barrels choked Improved Modified over Improved Cylinder and this example looks like it may have seen a trip or two in the field, but has been gently treated and well maintained. This ought to make one heck of a great gun for grouse, but given the rarity of this variant, it would also be a great addition to a collection of Winchester shotguns. Please see our photos and good luck!