Winchester Model 21 12Ga 30” Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun, MFD 1930

SOLD FOR: $3,525.00

LSB#: LSB250729JR001

Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 2079

Year of Manufacture: 1930 (winchestercollector.org)

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 3” Chamber

Action Type: Box-lock Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with Extractors & double triggers.

Markings: The top tang is marked, “2079 / SAFE” The forend is marked, “2079” The top of the barrels are marked, “MODEL 21-WINCHESTER TRADE MARK-12 GAUGE / 3IN.CHAM.” with the winchester New Haven address and “PATENTS PENDING”. The bottom of the barrels are marked, “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL” With proof and choke marks. The barrel flats are marked, “2079” with various proofs.

Barrel Length: 30”

Choke: Fixed:  The right barrel measures Improved Cylinder.  The left barrel measures Full.

Sights / Optics: There is a silver bead atop the serrated rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a beavertail forend, capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and soft, red rubber Pachmayr buttpad. There are pressure dents but very few scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP is 13 3/4” and 13” from the front of each trigger, respectively, to the back of the buttpad. The stocks are in Fine overall condition. There is no cast. The drop at comb is, 1 5/8”. The drop at heel is, 2 3/8”.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Professionally Refinished.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion but there is some lead fouling in the choke area. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9.5/10.  

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains nearly all of its metal finish. There is light thinning on the underside of the receiver. There are just a few scratches and small nicks on the barrels.  The action has light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.  The safety is engaged automatically upon opening.  We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.  The lock up is tight with no play. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:  The iconic Winchester Model 21 was introduced in 1931 in Field Grade at the price of $59.50 — or $1278.85 in 2025 dollars.  This was a lot of money for a field grade shotgun in 1931, but Winchester touted barrels dove-tailed together in a mechanical interlock superior to other double, a barrel stop preventing excessive opening of the breech (and thus preventing excessive wear) and selective ejectors. 

The 1933 Winchester Catalogue describe its new Model 21 thusly:

The Winchester double barrel shotgun, Model 21, is also furnished in Selective Ejection models, both in the double trigger and single trigger guns.  In these numbers when the gun is opened either or both of the shells have been fired…This Winchester Selective Ejection is simple and sturdy in design and novel construction, when the breech is opened, the fired shell is thrown clear, while the unfired shell is pushed well out where it is readily grasped for removal if desired. 

Today it is coveted above any other Winchester by collectors.

This particular Model 21 has been refinished and is in excellent shape.  It would make a very nice addition to a Winchester collection, particularly since it is from the very first year of Model 21 production.  It would also make a fine upland double, as the dual triggers would allow the huntsman to quickly select a choke to match the range of his quarry.  Its 12 gauge chambering, with correct ammunition, will handle any task you can reasonably expect of a shotgun.

Please see our photos.  -C.B.