Winchester Model 21 20 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,325.00
LSB#: 240124DH024
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 28043
Year of Manufacture: circa 1953 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1953 but we do not know when it was assembled or shipped).
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with SST & Ejectors
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The left barrel is marked Modified, Fixed. The right barrel is marked Improved Cylinder, Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a flattened bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The top of the rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lbs. 9.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a straight grip, a fluted straight comb and a ventilated recoil pad. The recoil pad has two squares of grip tape adhered to the rear face. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some minor handling and storage marks. The checkering as a few minor imperfections but overall, remains distinct. The LOP measures 15” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The recoil pad has hardened with age and has chips missing. The spacer is cracked. This shotgun comes with a Kick-Eez buttpad included but not installed. The drop at the comb is 1 3/4”. The drop at the heel is 3 5/8”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There are some streaks of stubborn fouling but no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and wear along the barrels and more notably on the underside of the receiver. There are scattered nicks, scratches and handling marks. There is a Bumper Buster installed at the rear of the trigger guard. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tooled. 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: This shotgun comes with a suitcase-style carrying case, the alternate Kick-Eez buttpad as described above and a letter from Cody Firearms Records Office confirming the factory configuration and the date of inspection.
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 1953 based on available sources. It has a manual 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
