Winchester Repeating Arms 101 - Manual (Page 14)

• If the letter “O” is exposed, the over (top) barrel will
fire first (Figure 11, page 12).
Often different chokes are installed in each barrel which
have different constrictions. This may make one barrels
choke preferable for a certain shot. Also there is slightly
less muzzle jump when the lower barrel is fired first,
making it easier to pick up your target for a follow-up
shot. The barrel selector allows you to choose the best
choke and barrel firing order combination for rapidly
changing hunting conditions or to adapt to the layout
of a sporting clays station.
Always make sure that the selector switch is completely
to one side or the other. If the switch is inadvertently
positioned directly between “O” and “U” the “safety”/
selector switch may be more difficult to move to the
off safe position.
t op l ever
The top lever operates the locking pins, which are fitted
to the barrel lugs. Moving the top lever to the right
unlocks the action and allows the shotgun to be loaded
and unloaded.
It is not necessary that the top lever return to a
completely centered position, nor should it hang over the
right side or edge of the receiver tang. Upon closing the
action, let the top lever snap into position to allow the
top lever spring to return the top lever mechanism to the
locked position. Do not retard its action with your thumb.
Many shooters lightly push the top lever to the left after
the closing the breech. This operation is a quick method
of assuring yourself that foreign matter has not interfered
with the complete closure of the breech.
Always keep the polished breech surfaces clean and lightly
oiled. The breech is so carefully hand-fitted that
accumulated debris, sand, etc. may prevent complete
closing. If this should occur the action will not close.
Open the action and unload it. Carefully examine the
action surfaces and remove any foreign matter.
Additionally, provision is made for the gradual wear of
locking surfaces to keep the action tight. It is common,
because of the tight tolerances and craftsmanship of your
shotgun, for the top lever to be just slightly right of center,
even when the action is fully closed (Figure 12).
13 12
the “safety”/selector is fully forward the “safety”/selector
covers the “S.” In the off safe position — if your shotgun
is loaded with shell(s) in the chamber(s) — the
chambered shell(s) can be fired by simply pulling
the trigger.
At all times in the field keep the “safety”/selector in the
on safe position and the barrels pointed in a safe direction.
It is a good idea never to load your shotgun until you are
in the field, at the location you intend to begin hunting or
you are at your station on a range and it is your turn to
shoot. For extra safety on a range, and as a courtesy to
others, fully unload the chambers and keep the action
open at all times other than when it is your turn to shoot.
b arrel S elector
The “safety”/selector on the top tang of your shotgun also
serves as the barrel selector. The barrel selector allows you
to choose which barrel will fire with the first pull of the
trigger. The other barrel will then fire with the second
pull of the trigger. The “safety”/selector must be in the on
safe rearward position to operate the barrel selector.
The “safety”/selector can be moved to the right or left
covering and uncovering the letters “U” and “O.” On the
left side of the “safety”/selector the letter “U” stands for
“under.” On the right side the letter “O” stands for “over.”
• If the letter “U” is exposed, the under (lower) barrel
will fire first (Figure 10).
The “safety”/
selector in the
over position.
FIGURE 10
The “safety”/
selector in the
under position.
FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12
When closed, the top
lever may still be
slightly to the right.
The “safety”/
selector in the
off safe position.
The "S" is not
visible.
FIGURE 8
The “safety”/
selector in
the on safe
position. The
"S" is visible.
FIGURE 9