Winchester Model 21 16 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,425.00
LSB#: 240124DH012
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 13271
Year of Manufacture: circa 1940 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1940 but we do not know when it was assembled or shipped).
Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with SST & Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent Rib
Choke: The left barrel measures Improved Modified, Fixed. The right barrel measures Cylinder Bore, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rear-facing white bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. There is a smaller mid-bead fixed to the rib. The top of the rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lbs, 9.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a Kick-eez buttpad. The wood shows mostly light with a few moderate nicks, scratches, compressions and a few minor handling and storage marks. The checkering has some areas of wear but overall remains distinct. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 1/2” to the wood. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2”. The drop at the heel is 2 1/2”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is light erosion in both bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light thinning on the barrels. There are some light nicks, scratches and handling marks. The pins are unmarred and the screws are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with two (2) CSMC 16-gauge chamber plugs.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 21 was their deluxe side-by-side shotgun, made to compete with the likes of Parker and A.H. Fox in the American shotgun market. The shotgun’s initial production run from 1930 through 1957 yielded approximately 16,000 guns. The standard grade came with select grade walnut stocks and Skeet, Trap, Tournament and Duck grades were also available.
This is a standard grade shotgun made late 1939 or early 1940 based on available sources. It has a manual safety, ejectors, single select trigger, and a checkered stock with a beavertail forend. Chambered for 16 gauge, it should make for a versatile field gun. That said, the Winchester Model 21 shotguns are very collectible, sought after for both their variety of configurations and their quality as a shooter. We expect the collectors and shooters to both take quite an interest in this gun. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
