Winchester Model 21 26″ SST IC/CYL 12 GA SXS Double Barrel Shotgun 1949 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3586

LSB#: 230925WS002

Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 23065

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1949

Gauge: 12 GA, 2 3/4?

Action Type: Double Barrel Side by Side Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger (mechanical) and Ejectors

Barrel Length: 26″

Choke: The barrels are marked Improved Modified and Improved Cylinder, however we measure the left barrel as approximately Improved Cylinder (0.008″ constriction) and the right barrel as Cylinder Bore (no constriction).

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead mounted to the front of the rib and a smaller mid-bead. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.

Weight: 7 lb., 6.1 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and orange-brown rubber Winchester buttpad. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and small scratches. There is some thinning finish in the grip areas, more notable in the forend. There is very minor cracking at the rear of the top tang. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 7/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has some discoloration and minor wear, still fairly supple. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8?, drop at heel 2 1/4?, consistent across both barrel sets. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling in front of the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 8 or 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

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 example has 26″ barrels chambered for 2 3/4″ 12 gauge shells. Originally choked Improved Modified/Improved Cylinder, the bores appear to have been opened up a little, now measuring Improved Cylinder/Cylinder Bore. The gun is in Fine condition, showing signs of gentle and responsible use. The Winchester Model 21 shotguns are very collectable, sought after for both their variety of configurations and their quality as a shooter. This shotgun has more years left for the field, but would be a neat addition to a Winchester collection missing the Model 21. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud