Winchester 101 Pigeon Grade “Lightweight” 27” 12GA 3″ Winchoke O/U Shotgun

SOLD FOR: $1,650.00

LSB#: LSB250902JM028

Make: Winchester

Model: 101 Pigeon Grade Lightweight

Serial Number: PK550274E, all serialized parts match. 

Year of Manufacture: 1974-1987, Included manual Copyright 1982

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2.75” and 3” Shells

Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective mechanical Trigger and Ejectors. The safety does not automatically re-set. 

Barrel Length: 27” ported with Vent-Rib.

Choke: This shotgun is threaded for Win choke chokes. Currently installed SKEET over Improved Cylinder. Also includes 2 x Light Modified extended chokes, Modified, Full and Extra full. 7 chokes total.    

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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece checkered walnut with a rounded profile forend with finger shelf. The stock is a Prince of Wales grip, with checkered cheeks, fluted straight comb and rubber Kick-EEZ butt pad. The length of pull is 14”. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2”. The shotgun weighs 8lbs. The cast is slightly right handed. The forend shows some minor scattered compressions, the most notable of which is on the left towards the receiver. The stock shows scattered surface level lines and small compressions. The most notable marr is on the right side of the flank of the stock just in front of the butt pad towards the toe. The butt pad shows some minor rub wear on the toe but is soft and pliable. There are no visible chips or cracks. The stock is barely perceivably loose and will need to be tightened.  Overall the wood is in about Very Good+ condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright and show no erosion. The barrels show some moderate lines from use with some moderate plastic fouling in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 8.75/10. The ports show only minor plastic fouling.   

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrels have minor rub wear from the forend, concealed when assembled. The action shows minor operational wear again concealed when assembled. There is some minor finish thinning around edges of the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp but the tang screw has been turned. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good+ 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: This shotgun includes the choke set as described above, two 12 gauge snap caps, manual, paperwork, and the factory box. 

Our Assessment: This Winchester Pigeon Grade Lightweight 12 gauge made in the early 1980s offers a fast-handling, upland-ready configuration with 27-inch ported barrels threaded for WinChoke choke tubes. As a Pigeon Grade model, it features upgraded engraving and refined exterior finishing that elevate it above standard production guns while still keeping the overall package usable in the field. The combination of porting and interchangeable chokes makes it adaptable for a wide range of field or clays use, while the “lightweight” build preserves the quick swing and responsive feel these models are known for.

The walnut furniture is highlighted by a classic Prince of Wales stock that provides a smooth, natural transition into the shoulder and adds a touch of traditional styling to the gun’s lines. Together, the stock design, upgraded engraving, and performance-oriented barrel features create a well-balanced and versatile Pigeon Grade ideal for upland hunters and collectors alike. This is a clean, appealing early-’80s Winchester that blends elegance, manageability, and practical shooting performance in a single package. To better understand this shotgun please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.