Winchester Model 1901 10 Gauge 26″ Lever Action Shotgun, 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,249.00
LSB#: LSB260428DH019
Make: Winchester
Model: 1901
Serial Number: 77299
Year of Manufacture: 1917 C&R
Gauge: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Fixed Cylinder
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle. The rear sight is a shallow groove on the front of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock consists of two piece smooth forend, semi pistol grip smooth, one piece buttstock, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are spots of finish on the metal. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is a small crack and chip on the right side of the forend. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. There is some stubborn plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of their original finish. There are scratches and corrosion staining, more notably on the barrel. There is handling and operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this shotgun is in Good to 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: This Winchester Model 1901 is a desirable 10 gauge lever-action shotgun manufactured in 1917 and classified as C&R. As the later, strengthened successor to the Winchester Model 1887, the Model 1901 has strong collector interest due to its unusual lever-action shotgun design and large 10 gauge chambering. This example retains a 26″ barrel with fixed Cylinder choke, brass bead front sight, shallow receiver groove rear sight, checkered steel buttplate, and clear Winchester markings. Its 1917 production date also places it near the later end of Model 1901 manufacture, which adds interest for collectors seeking representative examples of the final Winchester lever-action shotgun pattern.
Condition is notably better than many surviving Model 1901 shotguns. The shotgun retains about 75% of its original blue finish, with handling wear, operational wear, scratches, and corrosion staining, most notably on the barrel. The screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear, both of which are strong positives for presentation and collector appeal. The stock has been refinished, and there are some spots of finish on the metal, which detracts from originality. The wood shows scratches and compression dents throughout, along with a small crack and chip on the right side of the forend, but there are no structural cracks, and the stock remains in Good overall condition.
Mechanically, this Model 1901 is described as functioning properly, which is an important advantage for a more than century-old lever-action shotgun. The bore is a major strength, being bright with no erosion and only some stubborn plastic fouling, rating 9/10. That bore condition is considerably better than many early 10 gauge shotguns encountered today. As with any older firearm, especially a large-bore lever-action shotgun, it should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing. Overall, this is a strong Winchester Model 1901 example with good remaining original finish, clear markings, proper function, and an excellent bore, with its primary drawbacks being refinished wood, minor forend damage, and scattered finish wear. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF