I have a mid 70's japan win 101 special in 12 gage, screw in chokes and 26 inch barrels. Shoots like a dream and I haven't had any problems with factory loads or my reloads. Sorry all of that was me bragging about my gun, I was wondering if you can change the barrels to 20 gage, what would need to be done, if it could be done and if so where would you find a set of 20 gage barrels. I ask because my son would like to shoot my o/u but the 12 gage is a bit much and I would like to have interchangeable barrels. It may be cost prohibitive but was wondering if it could be done. Thanks for any help.
winchester 101 special
- Thread starter gator-1
- Start date
- Status
it would be a lot cheaper to get some chamber inserts.
Here's a link if you haven't heard of the inserts
http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/16_...mall-gauge-shotgun-chamber-inserts5196-1.html
Here's a link if you haven't heard of the inserts
http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/16_...mall-gauge-shotgun-chamber-inserts5196-1.html
Coyote3855
Member
What Chance55 says. I was at one time active in Cowboy Action Shooting. Seldom saw a 20 gage used by younger shooters because the loads available had more felt recoil than the light 12 gage loads. Might try that before you lay out big bucks for barrels or inserts.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Light loads rock. One young shooter I'm teaching is using 3/4 oz 12 gauge loads I made. Even in a 5.5 lb NEF single shot, recoil is minimal.
If you have no friends who reload and do not want to try it yourself, the 7/8 oz loads from Fiocchi, Winchester, etc, are the enxt best choice.
7/8 oz is what most 20 gauge loads run, so you're ahead of the game if your son handles these OK....
If you have no friends who reload and do not want to try it yourself, the 7/8 oz loads from Fiocchi, Winchester, etc, are the enxt best choice.
7/8 oz is what most 20 gauge loads run, so you're ahead of the game if your son handles these OK....
oneounceload
member
Light loads is the cheapest way to go.
After that, a tube set from Briley - while not cheap, will be less than new barrels or a new gun - oyu can get a sub-gauge tube set, or go for all three - 20, 28, and 410. Besides adding about 1 pound (good for reducing recoil), and then shooting a smaller bore, it should be very manageable.
One thing to watch with the 101 - the stock is not found to fit or be comfortable to many folks - if it works for you, that is great, but make sure your son isn't trying to fit himself to the gun. There are enough devices that can be had to alter the necessary fit points properly - again, that costs, but if you want him to have fun and be successful the gun has to fit..................
After that, a tube set from Briley - while not cheap, will be less than new barrels or a new gun - oyu can get a sub-gauge tube set, or go for all three - 20, 28, and 410. Besides adding about 1 pound (good for reducing recoil), and then shooting a smaller bore, it should be very manageable.
One thing to watch with the 101 - the stock is not found to fit or be comfortable to many folks - if it works for you, that is great, but make sure your son isn't trying to fit himself to the gun. There are enough devices that can be had to alter the necessary fit points properly - again, that costs, but if you want him to have fun and be successful the gun has to fit..................
I've got a 101 from the 60s; love it love it
I also shoot lighter loads, the Winchester 7/8oz shot #8s are great for clay practice and under $6 per box, available at your local Walmart.
If you can afford to get new barrels, there are some options as mentioned here but it will be costly.
I also shoot lighter loads, the Winchester 7/8oz shot #8s are great for clay practice and under $6 per box, available at your local Walmart.
If you can afford to get new barrels, there are some options as mentioned here but it will be costly.
oneounceload
member
Both Briley and Kolar makes full length sub gauge tube sets, in standard weights and ultralight. They also make sub gauge tubes that are not full length. None are cheap, but they are less expensive than a new set of fitted barrels or a new gun
- Status
