Winchester Model 21 Briley Chokes 26″ 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun, 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1950
LSB#: 220527VH004
Make: Winchester
Model: 21
Serial Number: 3365
Year of Manufacture: 1935
Gauge: 12 GA, 2 3/4″
Action Type: Double Barrel SXS Breakopen with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER – 12 GAUGE” on the side, the barrel flats have ovalled “WP” proofs, “3365” and “1 S”. The inside of the forend is marked “3365”. The water table has a “WP” proof. The top tang is marked “3365”.
Barrel Length: 25 7/8″
Choke: The barrels have been threaded for Briley chokes with Full and Improved Cylinder installed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the front of the rib and a smaller brass mid-bead. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 2.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail for-end, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated orange rubber recoil pad. A strip of leather has been glued over the face of the pad, but the word “HAWKINS” can be made out through the leather. The stocks have generally light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly in the for-end. The wrist has a repaired break with a dowel visible in the top of the wrist and bottom of the grip. There are also strips of darker color in each side of the wrist across the break, likely part of the repair. Given the condition of the wrist checkering, it is likely that the checkering was re-cut after the repair. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 3/4″ to the back of the wood. The leather on the face of the pad shows wear around the edges, the pad has some light wear and discoloration and has hardened slightly with age. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished and repaired.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The barrels have minor wear from the forend, concealed when assembled. The action shows light operational wear. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, mostly on the bottom of the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Remaining markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Comparison with other examples’ markings indicate that some markings were removed in the refinishing process. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when engaged manually. 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 is a standard grade shotgun made in 1935. It has a manual safety, ejectors, single selective trigger, and a checkered pistol grip stock with a beavertail forend. The 26” barrels have been threaded for removable Briley chokes, making for a versatile hunting or clays gun. The shotgun is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished with about 97% of its new finish remaining, great bores, strong mechanics, and some repaired damage to its stocks. The Winchester Model 21 shotguns are very collectable, sought after for both their variety of configurations and their quality as a shooter. This shotgun certainly has more years left for the field, but would be a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the Model 21. Please see our photos and good luck!