Winchester Model 21 12 GA 30″ SxS Shotgun Case & Letter, 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,325.00
LSB#: 240124DH027
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 10573
Year of Manufacture: circa 1946 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1946 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: 30”
Choke: The left barrel is marked Modified, Fixed. The right barrel is marked Improved Cylinder, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rear-facing red bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The top of the rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lbs, 1.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a splinter forend, a straight grip, a fluted straight comb and a buttpad. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some light handling and storage marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 5/8” to the wood. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2”. The drop at the heel is 1 3/8”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is a bit of stubborn fouling and light erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows some light nicks, scratches and handling marks. The screw heads are mostly sharp with a few light tool marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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 carrying case, two (2) 12 GA CSMC chamber plugs and a Cody Firearms letter verifying the original factory inspection date and other information.
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 shotgun was made circa 1946 based on the Cody letter. It has ejectors, single select trigger, and a checkered stock with a slim 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
