Winchester 12 gauge...FN Belgium?

[Skans]

I saw a 12 gauge O/U Winchester the other day that said "FN Belgium". It was priced around $850, used.

I didn't realize that FN was producing O/U's for Winchester in Belgium. It was a nice looking gun, the action seemed to be very nicely fit to the wood stock and it seemed well balanced. It was a little long for me, so if I were to consider it, I'd have to have the buttstock cut to fit.

Does anyone know anything about the quality of these guns? Are they really manufactured in Belgium by FN? I am considering this as a second gun for sporting clays / skeet.

 

[zippy13]

You're probably aware that FN took over Winchester some years ago.
The Belgium made Model 101 O/U was reintroduced about 3-years ago. The 2010 Win catalog shows trap and sporting versions in nine model variations from $2,179 to $2,619 [SIZE=-2](MSRP)[/SIZE]. Field models are in three versions (field, light and deluxe) in seven variations from $1,679 to $2,039 [SIZE=-2](MSRP)[/SIZE]. I've personally not seen one of these; but, I have great respect for FN quality. Like the Japanese made 101s of 40-years ago, the FN 101s seem to offer a lot of bang and glitter for the buck.

I had two old model 101 Skeet guns in 12-ga 26" and .410-bore 28". As much as I wanted to like these guns, the stocks never did fit me quite right (too narrow). They digested quite a few thousand trouble-free rounds while I had them.

 

[Skans]

Zippy, I wasn't aware of that. Sounds like that O/U might be a pretty decent deal - I'll have to chek it out again.

 

[oneounceload]

FN now has control of both Browning and Winchester names. Citoris are still Japanese, but the Belgian ones are still being made.....(granted starting MSRP is about $17,000, but they ARE available)

 

[COK]

Winchester has had FN made O/U's for a while starting with the Supreme in 2000 then the Select in 2004 to the new 101's.
I bought a Supreme in 2003 and I am pleased with it.