Make: Remington

Model: 21SB “Routledge Bore”

Serial Number: 68672

Year of Manufacture: 1945

Caliber/Gauge: .22 LR Shot Cartridge (designed for .22 LR shot shells only, not standard .22 cartridges)

Action Type: Pump-Action (Slide-Action) Rifle, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 23.5"

Sights/Optics: The sight is a metal bead set on the barrel at the muzzle. The top of the trigger assembly has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes behind the receiver.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut, the buttstock is smooth and has a straight comb, pistol grip, and checkered steel Remington buttplate. The buttplate shows scattered finish wear, infrequent oxidation, and has well defined checkering. The forend has grooves with a smooth bottom. The furniture shows some dings and scuffs consistent with normal operation and storage. There are no chips or cracks present. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright showing light fouling. There is light erosion around where the counterbore changes to the .22 diameter. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The two portions of the receiver are serial matching. There is a slight gap between the portions of the receiver toward the top-rear. There are areas of operational finish loss on the magazine tube and some minor scratches throughout. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The screw heads are unmarred with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action and safety function correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Remington Model 121SB Routledge Bore is a scarce and collectible variant of the Model 121 Fieldmaster pump-action rifle. Produced in limited numbers from the late 1930s through the early 1950s, the SB was specifically designed to fire .22 shot cartridges. Its unique Routledge Bore barrel was smoothbore, flaring out to deliver denser and more effective shot patterns compared to rifled .22 barrels. These rifles were marketed for small game, pest control, and clay target-style shooting.

This example, manufactured in 1945, has the earlier 23 1/2" barrel and remains in solid shape. Routledge Bore rifles are becoming increasingly scarce and are sought after by collectors of Remington rimfires and unusual small-game firearms. For the enthusiast looking for a rare and functional piece of mid-20th century American firearms history, this Model 121SB is an excellent find.