Has anyone had a Winchester Model 100? (Updated with some pictures)

[sigp220.45]

A local joint has two, both .308 caliber. Well used, but in overall good shape. One w/o a scope is $349, the other has a 3X9 Bushnell banner in weaver mounts for $369. I think both are pre-64, with the old style checkering, not the basketweave of the later ones. I didn't think to get the serial numbers.

I've always liked the looks of these guns, and I'm aware of the recall issue with the firing pins breaking and causing slam fires or out-of-battery discharges. I don't know if either of these has had the fix.

The prices seem low, but maybe I am out of touch. I don't really need another hunting rifle, but it would be fun to clean one of these up and play around with it.

Opinions seem to be all over the place regarding these, but I value the advice of folks here. Any thoughts?

(Here is a stock photo of a much nicer one, in case you aren't familiar with the model)

 

[bushmaster1313]

How do you clean the action?

 

[bigolddave]

Never had one, but I understand they are pretty good guns. Saw a 'smith working on one in a shop in Maine; asked about it, saying I had heard a lot of negative comments on them. He said they were fine rifles, better than the Remington 742 series.

 

[loc n load]

Win 100

For that price, it would be going home with me. I bought a pre 64 308 from a friend of mine last summer, mounted a vintage Redfield 3x9 on it, zeroed it for 100 yds and it is going into the deer stand with me in a couple of weeks. Mine has a good trigger, is plenty accurate for a hunting rifle and I have always liked the way they look also. My buddy had owned this rifle for decades and had taken many deer and a couple of black bears with it, never had any difficulties with it.

 

[Drm50]

I have had several of them, mostly 308s. They aren't target guns,
but very dependable. No question a lot better rifle than Rem 742
series. Had no problems with any I owned. I think most problems
occurred with post 64 models. $300-$400 seems a little lite, they
bring $500-$600 in this area.

 

[Big E3]

I like mine, it is a .308 from 1967 and other than the stamped checkering it is very good looking shooter. I have had this one since 1984 and I have put less than 50 rounds through it. I received the recall and had my firing pin replaced. There is a lot of info on the process. I have added some info from Wisner’s on how to check for a replaced firing pin.

The following is Wisner's rendition & info on the subject.

The difference in the old firing pin and the new one is as follows. The old replaced style, was totally lathe tuned (round). While the new recall style is similar in lathe turning on the front and back, but in the front midsection it has two flats milled, one on each side. This makes the center section stronger. Also replaced is the bolt sleeve lock pin (firing pin guide) which was made to accommodate this different shaped firing pin
Part number for the new parts are, firing pin =1391ND, bolt sleeve locking pin =1491ND
The word was at the time this recall was in process was that if the firing pin would break at the mid section and still remain in the gun as two pieces, the possibility of a premature discharge before the bolt was locked was possible. This apparently was caused by the firing pin tip (now not having a retracting spring) to be stuck forward, and thereby slam-firing the cartridge upon chambering.

The responsibility for the recall apparently was on Olin, as they were the parent company at time of manufacture. Olin set up regional recall centers at three established US gunshops. There was a manufacturing delay in the replacement firing pins, and a backlog occurred, also some collectors did not like the idea of shipping their guns long distances. Olin then also authorized other gunshops to make the required alterations. Upon completion of the recall, the shops were to test fire the firearm and to stamp an assigned letter on the inside top of the receiver as seen thru the magazine well with the bolt retracted. The letter “B” represented Bolsa Gunsmithing, “L” was Lefever, and “N” was for Nu-line Guns. The letter “X” apparently was for all the other independent shops. However this identification information did not get communicated to some of the smaller shops at the start of the project. The only way to tell if the gun has been modified, if the ”letter” is not present, is to take the barrel & action out of the stock, remove the trigger guard assembly and the try to rotate the firing pin by twisting it. If it does NOT rotate, then the firing pin recall HAS been performed.

 

[model70hunter]

I had 2 both were the Carbine in 308. My first one was my first deer do everything rifle. Deer, foxes, coyotes, ground hogs and other vermin.

Living close to an Army base one could find lots of 7.65 M2 ammo at yards sales. It is a tad hotter, I used a ton of the M2 and had no problems. A patrolman who taught me reloading had one, it broke, firing pin assembly locked and it would go full auto every time, he had to fire lots of 10 round magazines in it to make sure it was broke and also thought lots of firing it may fix it. Nope but he had fun with the rat a tat tat gun.

 

[jaymoore]

Have had two. Bought the first one just out of high school, kept it a couple of years and then swapped it off. A few years after that another nice one came along and it was even better than the first. That one is still with me, many years later, even though I mostly hunt deer with a .223 any more.

Bore snakes make cleaning rather easier, getting the chamber as well as the bore for "during the hunting season" cleaning sessions.

Only annoyance I had at first was learning how to pull the action from the stock for deep cleaning. Bit of a learning curve there, especially if you're used to the ease of tear down of military rifles.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi SigP220.45:

I bought one earlier this year, but in .243 Winchester. Mine is a beautiful little carbine, but unfortunately, it only shoots basketball sized groups. Even though it is chambered in .243, the little beast bites at both ends. Thus, I had to add a Limbsaver recoil pad to it. It's a compact, easy handling little beauty, and unfortunately, I just haven't had time to address the poor accuracy. A few Forum members, Model70Hunter in particular, have been very helpful in their support and advice. I believe the price you quoted is very low - mine cost me a NIB CZ-75 in .40 S&W and a $100.00 to boot (the seller had a price of $695.00 on it if I recall correctly). Neither the scope or rings add any value, so I would concentrate on buying the better looking of the two.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[DWalt]

I very nearly bought one (in .308) close to 10 years ago, but couldn't get together with the seller on price. Those I have seen for sale were considerably more expensive than $349. Cleaning the chamber on rifles not allowing direct access (such as most semiautos, lever actions, and pumps) is easy if you use a flexible rod. I have one about 8" long with a flexible nylon shaft. Can be used for handguns or rifles. I use mine for my M1 Garand, 740, 7400, three M94s, and a couple of Marlin lever actions.

 

[jaymoore]

I very nearly bought one (in .308) close to 10 years ago, but couldn't get together with the seller on price. Those I have seen for sale were considerably more expensive than $349. Cleaning the chamber on rifles not allowing direct access (such as most semiautos, lever actions, and pumps) is easy if you use a flexible rod. I have one about 8" long with a flexible nylon shaft. Can be used for handguns or rifles. I use mine for my M1 Garand, 740, 7400, three M94s, and a couple of Marlin lever actions.

Evil Glock cleaning rod is what I use to do the same. But Bore Snake for quick cleans.

Agree that prices for 100s are usually rather higher than quoted above!

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Sorry, I forgot to add that the only bolt hold open for the Model 100 is the detachable magazine. Extra magazines are difficult to come by, and not cheap.

Regards,

Dave

 

[sigp220.45]

They were both still sitting there today, so I laid the cheaper one away. The metal was in better shape than the scoped one, and I planned to refinish the stock anyway.

The serial number puts it in mid-1962 production. I called Winchester and it has not been in for the firing pin fix. They said to send them the firing pin and they would send me a new one and a check for thirty bucks. Seems fair. I'm glad there is Youtube - disassembly isn't simple but it is doable even for an oaf like me.

The other one is still in the rack at the Gander Mountain in Parker, CO, if anyone is interested. Its even earlier than this one, definitely a first year (1961) gun.

I'll probably let it sit through Christmas unless I get antsy, but will post some pics when I get it home.

 

[Capt. F.]

Winchester Model 100

Had a carbine version about 40 years ago in .308. The first deer season I pulled down on a buck, pulled the trigger and nothing but a click. I was using handloads. Two days later same thing happened. Took it to my local gunsmith and he told me some of the 100's had very tight chambers, mostly the .308's and the bolt wouldn't completely lock with handloads that had been neck sized only.
He said order a set of .308 small base dies if you're going to use handloads. That did the trick. No more problems.

 

[Buford57]

My wife had one 30 years ago. Nice rifle. You will like it.

 

[Jim R]

He are a couple photos (follow the link) of the Ljutic semi auto rifle. It was from the Ljutic patent that the Winchester model 100 was designed. After Winchester bought the patent there was a long drawn out legal battle which Winchester lost, the rifle came very close to never being produced. The one in the photos was probably built in the early 50's and is sleeping in my safe as I write this.

US Ljutic rifle << Forgotten Weapons

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In the 1965-1966 era I purchase a Winchester Model 100 in .308 (stamped basket checking-post 64 ? ) I had a Weaver four power scope put on it. It was the most accurate center fire rifle I ever owned. Using a Speer 110 JSP bullet and #3031 powder (#grain ?) it would print one inch groups at 100 yards.
I would purchase both Model 100s at the asking price

 

[Harkrader]

I had a '66 I got in the early '90s.
Fine shooter and with a 4X scope I could hit 8" plates at 300 yards from bench rest. Good enough for me! That WAS, however, 15 - 20 years ago.

I took it to a gunsmith who said the most common problem he found was people don't do a thorough cleaning of the action, especially the gas cylinder. He showed me how they corrode and says it should be checked and cleaned annually.

I was told you have to call the factory to see if a gun has been modified by the recall.

Magazines are expensive.

I was also told the 100 is not a "heavy-duty" gun, meaning it should not be shot a lot, and did not have a long barrel life. I dunno, I fired about 20 rounds a year through it and had no issues.

In S.E. Wisconsin, prices were stuck at about $400 for decades. I don't think they have gone up much if at all, but I don't get down that-a-way much anymore.

 

[tpole]

At the stated price I'd jump on it too.

I own its cousin, the Model 88, chambered in .308. Contrary to wives tales and some posts here, mine is sub-MOA accurate. Great rifle.

Two concerns, one of which might apply to the 100. The triggers of 88s are less than stellar. The stock is also thin at the action. This tends to result in cracks that begin at the magazine well and drift to the wrist. Usually this occurs on the left side of the rifle. You might check this.

The lines of the rifle are great. Grab it and have fun.

 

[gregintenn]

I always wanted to love these rifles, as I'm a Winchester nut. I once had a 100, and just couldn't warm up to it. As I really like lever actions, I then brought home a model 88. No joy there either.

They handle like a 2x6 board, and have a trigger like a Daisy Red Rider.

Winchester got the lever action thing right in the 1800's, and the semi auto right with their M1 carbine.