In honour of Grandpa
 

This year I decided to start a new opening day tradition in honor of my late grandfather. He was an avid small game hunter, dove and squirrel were his favorites. I was able to acquire his duck gun when things were made available shortly before his passing a few years back. It is a 30” Winchester Mdl 101 choked full & full.

I was designated by my uncle to sort through his hunting items before dispersal since I was close by and knew more about reloading than most of the family. Grandfather was from another era I guess you would say and never threw anything out. When going through his hunting/reloading room, I came across the original box with the receipt.

I have many great memories of joining him in the field, whether it was dove, squirrels, turkey, grouse, or white tail. I have to look back for some pictures, yesterday I was reminiscing while taking the 101 in the field once more.

Thanks for posting. I have owned a number of 101s. Waterfowl, quail special, pigeon grades etc. There is nothing wrong with a 101.

A special gun for sure, you are lucky to have it. Like Reggie I have owned a number of them over the years, always thought they were good guns, even collected them at one point up to the early 80's I believe.

Nice tradition Stan. Just take those doves at 40yds and crossing or those high overheads. That gun and chokes would be perfect with some 3/4oz loads. I just love rolling a bird at nosebleed altitude.:cool:

Stan, my dad bought a Winchester 101 20 gauge the first year they were made. Still have the gun. Killed a Lotta stuff in my youth with it. It won't ever leave.

Great Opening Day tradition! Our guns embody history and the men/women who shot.

1966
 

A few pictures of the 101 with original box and receipt. I never saw grandpa shoot this 101 although he told me a few stories of duck hunting with it. When steel shot was the new rule, he then purchased a Mossburg 500 3 1/2”. It was not a pleasant gun to look at, but his guns were more or less tools, not for beauty.
Also a picture of my grandparents I believe shortly after their wedding in 51, a small photo of deer camp in Lycoming County Pa (40’s I believe) and then also grandpa with a young fox that unfortunately met his end while groundhogs were being hunted. Groundhogs were another favorite, many warm summer days/evenings were spent in pursuit of whistle pigs.

Good for you Stan.

Man that is priceless Stan.

That's a great find, especially with the original box and bill of sale. The old photos add to the memories too. That's great stuff.

The Lycoming Co deer camp photo, is that your grandfather seated front row on the right?