Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 27322

Year of Manufacture: 1951

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 3" Chamber

Action Type: Box-lock Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with Selective Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger

Barrel Length: 30"

Choke: Both Full, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the matte serrated rib and another white mid-bead.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece checkered walnut set with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and brown rubber Decelerator buttpad. There is a horizontal crack in each side of the forend just forward of the joint pin that has been professionally glassed and pinned. There has been very little handling wear since the refinish, leaving only a few compression marks in evidence. There are no chips. The LOP is 13.5 inches. The drop at comb is 1.5 inches, the drop at heel is 2.375 inches. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished and repaired.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with no erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate a 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrels and receiver show scattered freckling. There is some finish loss at the muzzles and the edges of the receiver. The metal has some scattered tiny scratches. The screw heads vary from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings remain clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 21 was Winchester's belated 1930 entry into the double gun market. It was considered by Winchester's lead designer, T.C. Johnson to be the equal of the finest European doubles.

Winchester was pioneering in the double gun market in several ways. The frame of the Model 21 was made with patented Winchester Proof Steel instead of case colored and hardened steel, making the action of the 21 stronger than its peers. Frank Burton, head of research and design for Winchester, revolutionized double gun design with a patented barrel stop and locking device. The Model 21 reduced the angle of the barrels and their travel in relation to the frame, which shortened time required to open, eject, reload and close. Unlike its contemporaries, the barrels of the Model 21 were dovetailed together under the rib, rather than just being brazed together.

Winchester's unfortunate entry into receivership in 1931 made this very model, and its success, very important to the survival of the company. Consequently, only the Master Bluer at Winchester was allowed to do finish on the 21. Winchester made this one in 27 different grades between 1933 and the end of its factory production in 1957. This particular 21 is a Duck Grade shotgun, and consequently is choked Full/Full.

This particular Model 21 is in Very Good-plus condition, having had forend cracks very professionally repaired and the stocks refinished. The original blueing is still in nice shape. This firearm will be of interest to both traditionalist duck hunters and Winchester collectors alike. Please see our photos and good luck!