The Winchester Model 1901 was introduced as an improved and strengthened version of the earlier Model 1887 lever action shotgun designed by John Moses Browning. As smokeless powder replaced black powder around the turn of the century, Winchester revised the original design with stronger materials and internal changes capable of handling modern shotshell pressures. The Model 1901 was produced exclusively in 10 gauge and retained the distinctive lever action operation with a tubular magazine beneath the barrel.

Production of the Model 1901 remained relatively limited compared to Winchester’s other repeating arms, with fewer than fifteen thousand manufactured before the design was discontinued with the advent of pump action shotguns. As typical, this example features a 30 inch barrel with fixed choke and traditional walnut furniture. Lever action shotguns such as the Model 1901 represent an early stage in repeating shotgun development and remain a distinctive example of Winchester and Browning’s collaboration during the transition into the smokeless powder era.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company

• Model: 1901

• Date of Manufacture: Circa 1906

• Gauge: 10 Gauge

• Chamber: 2 7/8 inch

• Action: Lever action repeating shotgun

• Barrel Length: 30 inch

• Choke: Fixed Full

• Magazine: 5-round tubular magazine

• Stock: Walnut

• Finish: Blued steel