Winchester 1901 Lever Action 10 Gauge Shotgun

Today we are shooting a Winchester model 1901 lever action 10 gauge shotgun. It was the next model after the model 1887 which was a black powder only and came in 12 and 10 gauge. The model 1901 was improved with better steel to handle smokeless gunpowder, sturdier frame, as well as improvements to the locking system. This particular gun was designed by John Browning at the request of Winchester. He originally wanted to design a pump action shotgun but Winchester wanted a lever action gun. There were less than 15,000 made between 1901 and 1920 making this a somewhat rare shotgun. This particular gun was from 1902 and had a 32“ full choke barrel.