28-Jul-2026
Ask a group of seasoned clay shooters about affordable classic over-and-unders and it won’t be long before someone mentions the Winchester 101. For a gun that ended regular production decades ago, the 101 has a remarkably loyal following in the UK, and with good reason. It offers the handling and build quality of guns costing considerably more, at second-hand prices that remain within reach of most shooters. If you’ve been searching for a Winchester 101 for sale in the UK, this guide covers what the gun is, why it’s still so well regarded, and what to look for before you buy.
A short history of the Winchester 101
The Winchester 101 was introduced in the early 1960s, built for Winchester in Japan by the respected Olin-Kodensha factory. That partnership matters: Japanese gunmaking of the era was exceptional, and the 101 quickly earned a reputation for tight tolerances, durable actions and honest, consistent quality. Over its production life the 101 appeared in field, skeet, trap and sporting configurations, in 12, 20 and 28 bore as well as .410.
The gun sits in the same broad tradition as the Winchester 23 side-by-side, a Japanese-built Winchester that has aged far better than its original price tag suggested. Later, Winchester revived the 101 name with Belgian-assembled guns, so when you see one advertised it’s worth establishing which era you’re looking at. Both have merit, but the classic Olin-Kodensha guns are the ones collectors seek out.
Why UK shooters still rate the 101
Three things keep the 101 relevant. First, the action. It locks up tight, wears slowly, and countless examples have digested tens of thousands of cartridges without complaint. Second, the handling: 101s tend to be lively without being whippy, making them equally at home on a sporting layout or in a pigeon hide. Third, value. A tidy 101 typically changes hands for less than an equivalent-condition Beretta or Browning of similar vintage, which makes it one of the smarter entry points into classic over-and-under ownership.
It’s a genuine all-rounder too. Field models make honest game guns, while the trap and skeet variants still hold their own at club level. Many shooters buy one as a second gun and find it quietly becoming their first choice.
Models and variants to know
The 101 family is broad. Early field guns with fixed chokes are the most common in the UK. The XTR versions brought upgraded wood and finish, while the Lightweight models trimmed carrying weight for walked-up days. Pigeon Grade guns sit above the standard models with better engraving and wood, and dedicated trap and skeet versions turn up regularly at auction. The later Belgian-era guns, including Sporting and Pigeon Grade Lightweight models, are more modern in feel, often with back-bored barrels and longer chambers.
None of this needs to be intimidating. The practical takeaway is simple: confirm the variant, bore, chamber length and choke arrangement before you commit, because these details drive both usability and value.
What to check when buying a used Winchester 101
As with any second-hand shotgun, condition is everything. Check the action for looseness by removing the forend and gently testing for movement between barrels and action; a well-kept 101 should still feel vault-tight. Look at the barrel flats and under the top lever for signs of refinishing or restamping. Bores should be bright and free of pitting, and it’s worth confirming chamber length against the cartridges you intend to use, as some older guns have shorter chambers.
Ejectors are worth a proper test: both should throw fired cases with similar energy. Stock condition matters more on older guns; look for cracks around the head of the stock and oil-soaked wood, which can be expensive to put right. None of these checks are unique to the 101, but the gun’s age means a careful inspection pays off. Buying from a reputable seller with a clear description and good photographs, the standard we encourage across Rightgun.uk, takes much of the risk out of the process.
What does a Winchester 101 cost in the UK?
Values vary widely with condition, grade and era, which is part of what makes the 101 interesting to buy. Honest field guns in usable condition sit at the affordable end of the classic over-and-under market, while high-grade Pigeon models and exceptional-condition examples command a healthy premium. As a rule of thumb, you’re paying for originality, bore condition and wood quality. Rather than quote figures that date quickly, the best approach is to compare live listings: browsing current Winchester 101 listings on Rightgun.uk gives you a real-time picture of what the market is actually asking.
How the 101 compares to its rivals
Against a Miroku or Browning of similar age, the 101 generally trades at a discount without giving much away in build quality, Olin-Kodensha guns were built to a standard, not a price. Against modern budget over-and-unders, the comparison flips: the 101 offers character, proven longevity and better wood, but a new gun brings warranty and modern chamber and proof specifications. Shooters who value feel and heritage tend to choose the 101; those who want multichokes and long chambers as standard may prefer something newer, like the Browning B525.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Winchester 101 a good shotgun? Yes, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-value classic over-and-unders available. Japanese-built examples in particular are known for durable actions and consistent quality that stand up well against far more expensive guns.
When was the Winchester 101 made? The original run started in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, built in Japan. Winchester later revived the model with European-assembled guns, so check which era a particular gun belongs to.
What should I pay for a used Winchester 101 in the UK? It depends heavily on grade and condition. Standard field guns are among the more affordable classic over-and-unders, while Pigeon Grade and pristine examples fetch significantly more. Compare current listings to gauge the live market.
Can I use a Winchester 101 for clay shooting? Absolutely. Skeet and trap variants were built for exactly that, and field models perform well at sporting layouts. Just confirm chamber length and choke suit your intended cartridges and discipline.
Find your Winchester 101 on Rightgun.uk
The Winchester 101 proves that classic doesn’t have to mean expensive. If you’re ready to see what’s available, browse the latest Winchester 101 shotguns for sale on Rightgun.uk, and if you’re weighing up alternatives, explore our wider selection of shotgun listings from sellers across the UK. Owners looking to move one on will find a dedicated audience of UK shooters searching for exactly this gun.
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