Winchester Model 21 12 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,725.00
LSB#: 240117BG059
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 20755
Year of Manufacture: circa 1948 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1948 but we do not know when it was assembled or shipped).
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The left barrel is Modified, Fixed. The right barrel is Full, 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, 8.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are refinished two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a straight grip, a fluted straight comb and a Pachmayr White Line ventilated recoil pad. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some minor handling and storage marks. There are a few moderate dings on the buttstock near the comb and at the belly near the toe. The checkering has some smoothing wear but overall remains distinct. There is a repaired chip on the right side of the forend. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and 12 1/4” to the wood. The drop at the comb is 1 5/8”. The drop at the heel is 2”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is a bit of light erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows patches of wear into the white primarily on the receiver. There is a bit of light erosion around the muzzles. There are scattered nicks, scratches and handling marks throughout. The screw heads are well-defined. The rear screw in the lower tang is missing. The markings are clear. The trigger plate is marked “SKEET” in front of the trigger guard. 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: This shotgun comes with a suitcase-style case.
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 around 1948 based on available sources. It has a tang 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 collectable, 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
