I think they are Winchester 101's branded under the Nikko name?

 

Pretty much, kinda sorta! Both guns (101&Nikko) were made by Kodensha, the way I understand it as I was told by a Nikko purist---Winchester made a deal with Kodensha to make the hinge guns and formed Olin-Kodensha and had a contract not to produce any other firearms to compete with them.

Kodensha remodeled an existing building on the premises to produce other guns and the Nikko fell into place---he said the Japanese basically didn't think it was a breech of contract by doing it in another building :roll: :roll:

There are some differences, not major, and even though there were many variations of the Nikko---none had the wood or feel of the Comp guns of Winchester, but for usually alot less money, a used field Nikko can be had.

 

Actualy Nikko had the better wood, they put the kindling on the Winchesters, especialy the lower end ones. Both guns are fond memories, the plant has since burned down and razed and something else built in it's place. Not bad guns at all!

BP

 

In my experience, the Golden Eagles I have seen (mostly Grade IIs) have had significantly nicer wood and a nicer overall finish than the field grade 101s, comparing quite well to pigeon grade 101s in my opinion. I am a big fan of the Golden Eagles, but I like almost all of the Japanese-made shotguns.

 

Notice I said Competition Winchesters in regards to wood, never saw a Nikko from the factory that had anything close to Diamond grade wood----and I know where there are 21 Nikkos sitting in a safe, along with a few comp Winchesters----no comparison. :roll:

 

TT, I know you mentioned the competition Winchesters, which are outstanding. I was just trying to compare models of similar grade/price.

I'm glad I have never seen that safe, because the mere thought of it might be too great a burden to bear (assuming it was not my own!)

 

I asked the question because the local shop has one that can be had for $1000. It is in new condition and has some of the best looking wood I've seen on anything. I really like the wide rib and the way it feels. It looks like a real quality firearm. Too many nice guns, too little cash! The store that has it is closing and every thing is on clearance, used guns are 10% off right now. Maybe if they go to 20% off???

 

Well, I know the wood on MY 101 Pigeon Trap is like kindling compared to ANY Niko I've ever seen. Same for any other wood I've seen on any 101. Granted, I've not seen all the 101s or Nikkos ever made, but generaly in comparable grades, the Nikkos had far better wood than the 101s One of the more foolish things I didn't do was not buy a very nice used Nikko Trap gun a couple years ago. It looked mint to me, was just about $800 in a very respected gun shop, and I passed. Actually, they had several Nikkos in various styles and grades, must have abeen someone's collection they were liquidating. Next time I came back a couple weeks later, they were ALL gone. I then found the 101 I now have and bought it. I like my 101, but the Nikko had far better wood, and was less than 1/2 of what I gave for the 101. If you can find a way to swing it, the Nikko is a fine shotgun and the price isn't bad either.

BP

 

LOVE my Nikko 5000 trap. Sold my Win 101 trap.
Very satisfied with Nikko.
///olde 8) pharte///