Winchester Model 100

Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1961

Also known as: Winchester 100, Win Model 100

Overview

The Winchester Model 100 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic sporting rifle produced by Winchester Repeating Arms from 1961 to 1973. Chambered in .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester, and .284 Winchester, it used a gas piston mounted beneath the barrel driving a rotating bolt, fed from a detachable box magazine. Marketed as a fast-handling deer rifle, it shared styling cues with the lever-action Model 88 and was praised for being lighter than comparable semi-autos.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3400 g (119.9 oz)
Overall Length1067 mm (42.01")
Barrel Length559 mm (22.01")
Action TypeGas Operated
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity4 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity838 m/s (2749 fps)
Muzzle Energy3412 J (2517 ft·lbf)
Effective Range300 m (328 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 262,838 · Production years: 1961-1973

Includes both the 22-inch rifle and the 19-inch carbine variant introduced in 1967.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Edwin Pugsley

Discontinued: 1973

Notes

A 1990 factory recall addressed firing-pin breakage that could cause unintended discharge; Winchester offered free replacement of the firing pin. The .308 and .243 chamberings used a 4-round magazine, while the .284 Winchester version held 3 rounds.

Background

Designed in the late 1950s by Winchester engineer Edwin Pugsley, the Model 100 was the semi-automatic sibling of the lever-action Model 88, sharing its one-piece stock and rotating-bolt action. It became a popular deer-woods rifle before being discontinued in 1973.