Winchester Model 1901 10 Gauge 32” Lever Action Shotgun, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,055.00
Make: Winchester
Model: 1901
Serial Number: 74628
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Gauge: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 32”
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, checkered steel butt plate, and a two-piece forearm. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are areas of thinned finish and dark discoloration. There are a few thin cracks around the front of the wrist and at the butt. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has gone to a thick, dark patina with generally well defined checkering. The stocks rate in Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is some minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore, mostly in the constricted portion toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The lever, barrel and magazine tube have scattered minor surface oxidation and areas gone to a light patina. There are streaks along the right of the receiver, rear of the breech-block, and top tang consistent with either solvent or water. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. 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.
Assessment: The Winchester Model 1887, on which the Model 1901 is based, is renowned for being the first truly successful repeating shotgun ever made. Its unique breech-loading, rolling block lever-action design was chosen by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and designed by the legendary designer, John Moses Browning, to complement their popular lever-action rifles.
While Winchester’s rifles were designed around a sliding bolt that moved forward and back from the chamber, this shotgun had a bolt that moved in an arc just like the lever. This gave greater reliability with powder fouling from the still very common black powder shells. A collector truly interested in the evolution of firearms will find it quite interesting.
The introduction of smokeless powder (or “rich man’s powder”, as this writer’s grandfather named it) required more out of actions, and the basic 1887 design was not up to the task. Winchester introduced the Model 1901 which added a trigger block to prevent accidental discharge as the lever was closed and a firing pin retractor. Otherwise, it was largely the same gun as the 1887 but offered only in 10 Ga, for which it was proofed.
Its aesthetics are such that even Hollywood has discovered this old goose gun — it made an appearance in Terminator II being fired from a moving motorcycle in the hands of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
As a Winchester, a lever action shotgun, and a model which was not produced in great numbers, this piece has a great deal of collector value, especially with so much of its original finish and its uncut stocks. Please look at our quality photos of this old waterfowling masterpiece, and consider adding it to your collection. -C.B.
