doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Winchester 23 quality

Yes, it was made by Olin-Kodensha. The Repro Steel Shot Specials are expensive because there were fewer 12ga Repros made than either 20's or 28's, and the Steel Shot Specials are a tiny minority of that number. But if you get a 12ga Repro choked IC/M, you're OK with steel shot. The original guidance on those guns, from the maker, was that they were OK with steel unless they were choked full.

I don't know what Heavy Ducks are going for. Personally, because I like the Repro single trigger better than the 23 single trigger, I'd go with a Repro. But if you're thinking waterfowl hunting, it's not all that easy to find a 12ga Repro with 28" barrels choked IC/M. I have one, but they're a real minority. Most are M/F.

The Japanese 101s have been gone for a long time. Last time I looked, the current 101s were being made by FN in Belgium.

I have always been a fan of the 101�s. I think they are well built. I know that the beretta�s and other have a lower profile but the 101 was a sweet gun. And, I think the prices they sell for is really fair.

I have been looking for a Parker repro steel shot gun off and on. I�m getting more serious as i need to get what ever I�m going to get home and start shooting it before season. Wood duck season in Ky is in September!!!!!

The 23 Heavy Duck is a great waterfowler but pricey in today's market.I used a 60/70's Zoli and AYA Matador for years duck hunting killed a ton of birds shooting steel.They will break but for under 1k a bargain.Note you will kill more birds with a auto but not as fun.IMHO

I know, the new benelli�s honestly point and handle like a nice over under. But they just clank and clatter too much

I choose to buy a low end Model 21, which had been modified and lacked any collector value.

Dito on the 21 less money than a Heavy Duck

Biggest problem with the Japanese 101s is parts availability. I have a 12 and a .410, and they are pretty nice guns. The higher grade 101s were really nice,

No, the biggest problem w/ 101's is that they kick the snot outta people - a personally verified and justifiably widespread reputation. I had one for a couple days. Gave my wife a black eye. When I admonished her for poor form she told me GFY and YOU shoot it. So I did (shoot it anyway) and after the second shot I put it in the rack with a FS sign on it. The gent that bought it a few minutes later - it was a reallly good price - was rather heavyset and loved the gun.
At any rate, you're on your own w/a 101.

I'm a relative lightweight at 180, but I have never found the kick from my 12ga 101 to be objectionable. Field grade, 28", sk/sk.