Winchester Model 21 12 GA 26″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,325.00
LSB#: 240117BG042
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 25469
Year of Manufacture: circa 1950 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1950 but we do not know when it was assembled or shipped).
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with SST & Ejectors
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: The left barrel measures Modified, Fixed. The right barrel measures Cylinder Bore, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rear-facing red 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, 10.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a capped semi-pistol grip, a fluted Monte Carlo style comb and a buttpad. The buttpad has grip tape adhered to the rear surface. The wood shows mostly light with a few moderate nicks, scratches, compressions and a few minor handling and storage marks. There are some patches of finish thinning in areas of frequent contact. The checkering has some wear but overall remains distinct. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 5/8” to the wood. The drop at the comb (front and rear) are 1 5/8” & 1 1/2”. The drop at the heel is 2 5/8”. 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 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows areas worn to white, most notably on the sides and underside of the receiver. There are patches of contact wear on some of the leading edges. There are scattered nicks, scratches and handling marks throughout. There are a few specks of light surface oxidation on the barrels. The pins are unmarred and the screws are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good 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: None.
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 1949 or early 1950 based on available sources. It has a manual safety, ejectors, single select trigger, and a checkered stock with a beavertail forend. Chambered for 12 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
