Winchester Model 1901
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Shotgun · Out Of Production · 1901
Also known as: Winchester 1901, Model 1887/1901, Winchester '01
Overview
The Winchester Model 1901 is a lever-action shotgun chambered exclusively in 10 gauge. It is a strengthened, smokeless-powder-capable evolution of John Browning's earlier Model 1887, re-engineered in stronger alloy steel. Produced from 1901 to about 1920, roughly 13,500 were made before the design was rendered obsolete by pump-action shotguns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 997 mm (39.25") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 385 m/s (1263 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3410 J (2515 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10 Gauge · primary — also known as 10 ga, 10 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Lever Trigger Block, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Exposed Hammer, Two Piece Finger Lever, Tubular Magazine
Production
Estimated total produced: 13,500 · Production years: 1901-1920
Serial range approximately 64,856-78,356; deluxe variants extremely rare
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1920
Notes
Offered only in 10 gauge with a 2-7/8 in (73 mm) chamber; a smokeless 12-gauge version was never made because the action could not safely contain smokeless 12-gauge pressures. Standard 30 in barrel, 32 in by special order; some sources cite barrel length and end-date variation (production records run to 1931 for assembled-from-parts guns).
Background
The Model 1901 exists only because the original lever-action Model 1887 - which Browning reportedly thought was a poor concept but built at Winchester's insistence - could not handle the new smokeless powders in 12 gauge, so Winchester re-engineered it in stronger steel and offered it in 10 gauge only.