Make: Winchester, Made in Japan

Model: 101 Skeet

Serial Number: K215793

Year of Manufacture: Early to mid 1970s.

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2.75" Shells

Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective Mechanical Trigger and Ejectors.

Barrel Length: 28" Vent-Rib.

Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet chokes.

Markings: Receiver "OlinKodensha Co.LTD" and "K215793". Forend "215793" three times. The barrel set "MODEL 101-WINCHESTER-20 GAUGE-2 3/4" MADE IN JAPAN", "SKEET SKEET", "WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL", "215793", and "WINCHESTER NEW HAVEN, CONN.". There are proofs on the barrels, and the inside of the action of the receiver. The butt plate is marked "WINCHESTER TRADEMARK".

Sights: The front sight is a brass bead affixed to the front of the checkered rib. There is a small silver mid bead as well.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece checkered walnut with semi-beavertail finger shelf forend. The stock is a capped semi-pistol grip, with fluted straight comb and checkered plastic butt plate. The length of pull is 14”. The drop at comb is 1.5” the drop at heel is 2.5”. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 8OZ. The wood shows scattered surface level lines and small compressions. The toe of the heel has a very small chip. There is a small but notable rub mark on the right side of the wood near the trigger guard. There are no cracks. The butt plate shows rub wear and compressions around the edges with sharp checkering. Overall the wood is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright and show no erosion. The barrels show some barely visible lines from use with some very minor plastic fouling in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrels have some minor scattered marks with minor rub wear from the forend that is concealed when assembled. The lower barrel shows some surface rust forming on the last 7" of the length of the barrel. The action shows minor operational wear again concealed when assembled. The safety has lost finish and the upper tang shows rub wear from the safety. The edges of the receiver and the forend iron show the majority of the finish loss. The pistol grip cap shows finish loss and some surface rust forming. The trigger face shows some finish loss as well. The screw heads are sharp showing slight tool marks. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 101 is a well regarded over-under known for its durability, balance, and excellent handling qualities, particularly in the smaller gauges. This example was produced in the early to mid 1970s and is chambered in 20 gauge with 2.75" chambers, fitted with 28" barrels and fixed Skeet chokes, making it an ideal choice for skeet shooting and light sporting use. The Model 101’s low-profile action and solid lockup contribute to its smooth swing and consistent performance.

Equipped with a single selective mechanical trigger, this shotgun offers reliable function regardless of load selection, a desirable feature for all manner of shooting. The checkered walnut furniture provides both classic looks and a secure grip, completing the traditional Winchester presentation. Overall, this is a clean, straightforward Model 101 that delivers proven Japanese-made quality and classic over-under performance in a well balanced 20 gauge configuration.