I inherited my dad's 20 guage 101. This was a Japanese made model around 69 or 70. It's got short barrels and is a quick and light field gun best for hunting behind dogs. I've used it for about 10 years and it fits me well. Unfortunately, the bottom barrel has a buldge about 16 inches down the barrel. I've known about it for years and because its so far down it hasn't caused problems. But it's time to retire that gun, at least until I can get some tubes made for it.

I'm lookin for something comparable. I want to stick with a light and fast over/under. I would think that most currently produced O/Us are at least comparable but I'm looking for suggestions. I'm hoping to stay under 1k and will likely buy used.

Ideas appreciated.

My #1 idea is that it can be repaired by a good smith. Contacting a skeet club would likely give you a lead to who does that kind of work. It will be way cheaper than buying barrels or a replacement gun. Then again I’d never suggest a man not buy a gun.

Are you wanting to stay with 20ga?

Silver Pidgeon III

Ithaca 600 was made during that time by SKB of Japan.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/863391799

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/871464293

A citori 20 would fill the bill. I have two of the 20 gauges and they both are great field guns. However, if that 101 has sentimental value I’d find a good gunsmith to have it repaired.

https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=36237

Call Mike Orlen. He should be able to fix it.

JK

They still make the 101, although today's version is a little different. I too have a Japanese made 101 in 20 gauge and I recently acquired a new 101 in 12. I like the new one just fine and use it quite a bit.

If the bulge isn’t too severe it may be possible to repair the existing barrel, being that it’s so far out.

If the bulge is severe you can have the individual barrel replaced. Expensive job, and there are only two people in the US doing this kind of work; Kirk Merrington(semiretired) or myself.

Those Olin kodensha made 101’s were excellent shotguns. A citori lightning will have the same straight stock and handle pretty similar though it will be a little heavier. A beretta 686/687 will be trimmer and quicker handling but will have a right handed cast stock. Both are of high quality but you will need to do some looking to find one in excellent condition for $1,000. Those are the two I would look at first. A japan made Ithaca/SKB is of the same quality and can be purchased well within your budget.

Thanks all. What about putting 28 guage tubes in it? The barrels are tight to the face and the only other issue is resoldering the rib. Would that change the weight and balance dramatically?

I think so for my field gun. For clays I may look at a heavier 12. I am toying with 28g tubes.

I like the new 101. My mother won a 12ga lightweight 26” a few years ago in a raffle. I took it out one morning and killed 12 wild bobs before I missed one. Wish it were a 20. I’ll never give up my old Superposed 20. I also took the 12 to Kansas and I don’t think I missed a bird with it, and we killed quite a few. Pheasants were wild but the bobs up there had a death wish.

The one shotgun I'll never get rid of is my 20 ga 101 Pigeon Grade XTR Featherweight. Slickest action of any shot gun I've owned, there is no equivalent. Cy Wagner of Wagner and Brown gave me that shot gun in 80-81.