Winchester Model 21 20 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,026.00
LSB#: 240117BG061
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 13193
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: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber (both barrel sets)
Action Type: Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with SST & Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”, Both barrel sets
Choke: On one barrel set, the left barrel is Full, Fixed and the right barrel is Modified, Fixed. On the other barrel set, the left barrel is Win Skeet 2, Fixed and the right barrel is Win Skeet 1, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: On the Full/Mod barrel set, the front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. On the Skeet2/Skeet1 barrel set, the front sight is a rear-facing red bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. Both ribs have smaller mid-beads and the tops of the ribs are serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 7 lbs. 6.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a capped semi-pistol grip with a right-side palm swell, a straight comb and a Kick-Eez buttpad. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some minor handling and storage marks. There is a moderate ding on the left side of the buttstock just below the comb. The checkering is sharp. 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. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at the comb is 1 3/8”. The drop at the heel is 2 3/4”. The cast is slightly off. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: For both barrel sets, the bores are mostly bright. There are some streaks of stubborn fouling and mild 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 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some thinning and wear along the trigger guard. There are stuttered dings along the sides of both barrel sets. There are scattered nicks, scratches and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled. The lower tang appears to have a replacement screw. 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 Browning-branded suitcase-style carrying case and both barrel sets as described above.
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 circa 1940 based on available sources. It has a tang safety, ejectors, single select trigger, and a checkered stock with a beavertail forend. Chambered for 20 gauge, it should make for a versatile field gun especially for birds and fowl. 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
