O/U Shotgun Search Concluded

[ESquared]

My long-gun hobby is taking a new turn, as I've recently taken delivery of a ca. 1968 Japanese-made (Kodensha) WInchester 101 Trap Over/Under. 30" barrels, Fixed chokes, both @ Full. Monte Carlo comb (but fixed). Knew I was going to have to have it fitted, so that's what's been going on for the past couple of weeks. Found a great fitter/gunsmith here in town and he sent me home to practice hundreds of "mounts" before he could/would figure out what it needed.

Not a big fan of the Graco "fixture", but it's a shooter, not a safe queen, so I'd rather have one that fits me.

Hard to believe it's a 51 year-old, as the finish is pretty pristine, except for the little surface scratches on the left side of the buttstock, which the fitter properly identified as "belt buckle" scratches. Otherwise, from the breech to the bluing to the mechanics, it's very solid.

While I wait for the rains to stop, it's more mounting practice in front of the mirror! Come Wednesday or so, it's off to the trap range.

[Ojaileveraction]

Haven't caught the shotgunning affliction yet.

[JEBar]

interesting .... I'd love to know more about the butt plate .... any plans to have it fitted for choke tubes .. .. if so, Carlson does a good job

[ESquared]

It's a Graco bolt-on piece. Has to be shaped to fit the stock, but then is adjustable in a number of ways. He set it up based on watching me and the shape of my shoulder and the "pocket" and didn't change a thing when I picked it up. May need to tweak it once I get it into action, but much better than the 51 year old original equipment. I needed about another full inch of LOP.

https://graco-corp.com/product/575s/

[JEBar]

fascinating .... over time I've seen a few mounted on shotguns but really don't know anything about them ... info appreciated

[PT7]

Beautiful wood on your O/U; especially the forend.
Doesn't show itself to be anywhere near 51 years old!

You must be a happy camper with this acquisition, ESquared.
Congrats.

[North Country Gal]

Good for you, Evan. You have entered the world of serious O/Us with that one. Those old Winchester 101s were great shotguns, often compared to the Browning Superposed which was considered the cream of the crop in O/Us in its day.

[BrokenolMarine]

Very nice. I thought about getting into trap/skeet again. I shot a bit in the Corps... But it can be addictive. I already have woodworking, flyfishing, handguns... And bilateral shoulder issues... So nah. I do love a good shotgun though. I carried several over the years.

That one is beautiful.

[ESquared]

Thanks, all, for you nice feedback. PT got me trying to figure out what kind of wood they used back in those days, and, with Bob's help, it looks like it's some sort of white oak.

Given when and where it was made, and the sort of unusual "speckling" that appears in the grain, I began researching "Japanese White Oak," which turns out to be an actual variant. Here's a pic I found of a sample of it in its unfinished state, so it's tough to tell for sure, since this s/g is 50+ years old and stained/varnished, but it's close.

The other interesting thing that Japanese White Oak Google searches turn up is that it's a very popular wood these days for making Drum Sticks!

https://www.amazon.com/PROMARK-6-Pair-J ... 167&sr=8-7

[markiver54]

CONGRATULATIONS Evan! Glad to see you made a decision..and what a beauty!!
I'm sure that will earn a lot of respect at the range.

[Rifletom]

Wow! Evan, you done good fella. Real good. That is stunning! Let us know how it shoots at the range. I'll bet once you get the hang of it swinging, pointing and all, it will become second nature. Really nice find.

[Shakey Jake]

Back in the late 70's through around '88 I shot competitive skeet. I sold my competition shotguns a long time ago. I still haven't gotten the "complete" urge to get back into it. Great find and good luck.

[markiver54]

Had to return to this one Evan...that really is nice. I like your choice. Inspires my own shotgun interests again. Just not real sure if my body will agree.

[ESquared]

Had to return to this one Evan...that really is nice. I like your choice. Inspires my own shotgun interests again. Just not real sure if my body will agree.

Well, the way a shotgun "fits" kept coming up in everything I read as I was doing research, as well as the advantages of lighter target loads (3/4, 7/8 or 1 oz loads in 12 ga) when it comes to taking it easy on the shoulder. 20 gauge could also be an option to think about.

We'll see how it goes. The other thing I keep reading/hearing is how 'addictive' trap/skeet can be for the enthusiast. Just what I need: another addictive hobby!

[Mistered]

I keep reading/hearing is how 'addictive' trap/skeet can be for the enthusiast.

This is a 'common thread' with many - I have heard and seen it myself!

[Mags]

.
I gave it a shot about year ago. Found it fun but not really addicting. Shooting buddy in California, got himself a new thrower and Beretta O/U 20ga recently (Silver Dove?). I very much expect I'll get another crack at it sometime this summer.

... I keep reading/hearing is how 'addictive' trap/skeet can be for the enthusiast. Just what I need: another addictive hobby!

[JEBar]

The other thing I keep reading/hearing is how 'addictive' trap/skeet can be for the enthusiast. Just what I need: another addictive hobby!

if I lived in your area and the price they charge at your state's shooting parks, I'd get addicted in a hurry ....

[Redthies]

Beauty gun! I love the 101s.

[Ridgerunner665]

Late reply, I know (I wasn't here back in May).

Beautiful 101 you have there.

I enjoy trap and skeet myself...5 stand is the most fun though I think...my scores are best at trap though.

I shoot a field grade 101, one of the new ones made by FN...its the only shotgun I own that I shoot, the others are heirlooms that stay in the safe...I use that 101 for everything from skeet to turkey hunting.

You mentioned low recoil 12 gauge loads...7/8 ounce loads are easy on the shoulder, I use a mild load of E3 powder for about 1,200 fps... I'm no winner at any clay game, but I got that load from someone who is.