Training/Hunting Gun Question

IA Hunter · Jul 2, 2013

Recently I inherited a Winchester 101 that has fixed full chokes. This is great for late season pheasant hunting, but I would like to use it on flyers from time to time, dove hunting, and early season pheasant hunts.

What is everyone's thoughts on how to best find a way to get a different choke? Have the original barrel fitted with screw in chokes or buy a new barrel?

Thanks in advance!!

bjoiner · Jul 2, 2013

Buy a new barrel or gun. The older style guns don't have thick enough barrels to handle chokes put in. (in a lot of cases at least)

IMABIRDHUNTER · Jul 2, 2013

You can have a gunsmith open up the chokes. Thin wall screw in chokes might be an option if you're not planing on shooting steel shot through it. Find a competent gunsmith and get his opinion.

Erik Nilsson · Jul 2, 2013

you could try spreader loads

HNTFSH · Jul 2, 2013

Shoot lighter loads in smaller shot size when needed. Those fixed poles will make you a better shot anyway.

BonMallari · Jul 2, 2013

bjoiner said:
Buy a new barrel or gun. The older style guns don't have thick enough barrels to handle chokes put in. (in a lot of cases at least)

IMABIRDHUNTER said:
You can have a gunsmith open up the chokes. Thin wall screw in chokes might be an option if you're not planing on shooting steel shot through it. Find a competent gunsmith and get his opinion.

have an older Win 101 and took it to Briley.....walls are too thin to accept chokes plus 101's have chrome lined barrels which are harder to bore out...highly unlikely you could find a set of bbls for it

The only alternative we discussed was dropping a set of 20 gauge tubes in it with interchangeable chokes,not really cost effective

to the OP enjoy the gun you inherited its a classic

Granddaddy · Jul 2, 2013

Notwithstanding Bon's post, call Briley and ask them about screw-in chokes specifically for that gun. I had a Winchester Super-X Model 1 barrel modified by Briley for their thin-wall screw-in chokes and that gun is of similar vintage to yours. It's the best option if it can be done. As a double gun, you can't "just get another barrel", it has to be fitted.

22899 · Jul 3, 2013

Reload!

also, use spreader wAds. It's amazing what they will do.

BonMallari · Jul 3, 2013

Granddaddy said:
Notwithstanding Bon's post, call Briley and ask them about screw-in chokes specifically for that gun. I had a Winchester Super-X Model 1 barrel modified by Briley for their thin-wall screw-in chokes and that gun is of similar vintage to yours. It's the best option if it can be done. As a double gun, you can't "just get another barrel", it has to be fitted.

I will save the OP the time of a phone call...

the cost to thread both bbls for lead shooting is $429.00...for steel and other non tox $529.00 either price includes 5 Thin Wall screw in chokes

Companion 20 gauge drop in tube set $ 549.00 standard weight ..ultra light weight $649.00

Estimated value of a Japan mfg Winchester 101 12 gauge 30 inch Full/Full in mint NIB condition is $900.00

jd6400 · Jul 4, 2013

Believe me Bon,theres cheaper boat anchors out there..........Jim

A team · Jul 4, 2013

It's a classic gun, leave the gun as is and use spreader loads.

MikeBoley · Jul 4, 2013

have a Browning that had fixed full chokes. Dropped in 20 ga tubes and it is my go to flyer gun. Well when Im not shooting my 28.

Gordy Weigel · Jul 4, 2013

MSRP on a new field grade 101 is $1869.99 (invector plus choke tubes).
If your gun is nice and has value to you, putting $500 into it for a set of thin walled invector chokes or whatever Briley does, may be the way to go.

Training/Hunting Gun Question

IA Hunter

bjoiner

IMABIRDHUNTER

Erik Nilsson

HNTFSH

BonMallari

Granddaddy

22899

BonMallari

jd6400

A team

MikeBoley

Gordy Weigel

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