Winchester Kodensha Model 101 Skeet 28 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 211130RH06
Make: Winchester
Model: 101 Skeet
Serial Number: K229248
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 ¾” 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 “MODEL 101 – WINCHESTER – 28 GAUGE – 2 3/4″ / MADE IN JAPAN”. Each barrel has a Winchester Proof and “SKEET” on the left just forward of the monoblock. The right side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / NEW HAVEN, CONN”. The bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The monoblock is marked “P / B / 229248?. The barrel lug is marked “28-2 3/4” in oval. The receiver has foliate scroll engraving with the motif continued on the lever, guard and exposed portions of the forend iron. The bottom of the receiver is marked “Olin Kodensha / Co. Ltd. The top tang is marked “K229248”. The water table has a “WP” in oval proof. The forend hardware is marked “229248” and the inside wood is stamped “229248”.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Skeet/Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib and a smaller brass mid-bead. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lb., 11.2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with finger-grooved forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and black rubber Decelerator buttpad. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, most along the heel and comb and around the forend latch assembly. There is a tiny crack at the rear of the top tang. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips. The drop at comb measures approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 1/8″ to the back of the wood, likely indicating that the stock has been cut. The pad has minor wear and is still fairly supple. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling in the top bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The barrels have only a few scattered minor marks, most notable on the bottom barrel near the muzzle. The receiver shows only light handling marks. The bottom tang has faint handling wear. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The pin heads range from unmarred to very lightly tool marked, but not peened. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. 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. Much like Browning with their Citori line, Winchester found a Japanese firm which was capable of manufacturing durable, high quality, and beautiful guns. The engraving pattern on the Kodensha made Model 101 is even somewhat similar to that of the Miroku made Citoris. This shotgun features brass bead sights on its 28″ vent-rib barrels, jeweled ejectors and a single selective trigger. It is the Skeet variant chambered for 28 gauge shells, not quite so challenging as .410, but much more comfortable to shoot round after round than 12 gauge. The stock has also been cut with a length of pull just under 13″, so it would be suitable for those with smaller frames or junior shooters who are getting into Skeet shooting. This example is in about Excellent condition with a few light marks in the stocks and little notable wear in the metal. If you’re looking for a 28 gauge skeet gun, you won’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!