I’ve seen a model 21 Winchester for sale recently (quite a rare sight in the UK).

It’s the earlier version with the shaped panels to the side of the action (is that 1960’s or earlier?), the action is otherwise plain (ejector). It’s got 30†barrels with 2 ¾†chambers; beavertail forend; raised solid rib; pistol grip stock out of what could well be a better than average piece of wood. The cosmetic condition seems fine with virtually all the blacking remaining on the barrels & action.

The only cosmetic issue I could find was 3 or 4 small pits on the outside of the barrels near the muzzle - perhaps where it they had rested on a felt pad in a gun cabinet – however they are not deep & not very noticeable really. Mechanically it’s tight when closed but when it’s open there seems to be some looseness. What I mean is when fully open (with the forend still on) it’s possible move the barrels from side to side a little. I’m not sure if this is a feature of the design or whether there’s a way to adjust the fit (I’d normally view it as a problem - although the gun otherwise seems fine). As I said it’s a rare sight & I don’t have any experience with the model.

In a way I don’t like the styling at all but it is a great American classic & it’s tempting to buy it just to see what our US cousins rave about (well some you do at least!). The other thing is I was looking for a heavy duty S/S with a pistol grip stock & raised rib – in that respect it fits the bill. It’s priced at the equivalent of about $2560 (less haggling discount – which there would be). Seems a bit high for the UK market though.

Any view regarding the looseness when open & the price etc would be welcome.

Regards
Webley

That is not a bad price for a 21 by U.S. standards. Here one in that condition would run about 2-3k$ more. If the gun locks up tight I wouldn't worry about a bit of looseness when open; they were not fitted like the better U.K guns, but they are about indestructible. Mine about matches your description and it is my favorite duck gun. Shoot a few patterns and you will see where these really shine. The two I have played with were perfectly centered and the patterns were amazing. That gun should shoot for several generations with out any trips to the 'smith' for rebuild.
Wish I could find them at that price!
If you post the first digits of the s.n. I can tell you about when it was made.
C.G.B.

Webley,

Get the gun!

Just as we Americans search out Purdeys and H & Hs, you Brits should give these 21s a go...they are American "classics" and are arguably the most robust SxS guns ever mass produced - AND, I will add, are excellent shooters once you have gotten used to the handling characteristics.

Your [posted price is excellent and you should snatch-up that gun - you'll learn to love it.

JW

PS - I am a big fan of the W & S Boxlock guns!

That's a very good price for a 21 these days. However, you'll find they are definitely clunky in 12 ga compared to almost all of the Brit/Euro guns. OTOH this clunkiness is one of the reasons they are the strongest S/S double out there. I'd buy it and consider selling it over here if you didn't want to keep it.

The 16s, which were built on a 20 frame are much livelier handling than the 12s BTW.

Price is excellent even if it were in a refinished condition. All original that gun could easily bring 3500-4500 in the U.S. and more depending on the particulars. If you do decide to buy it, send off to the Cody Museum here in Wyoming and for a small fee they will research the serial # and give you all pertinent information regarding build date, if it was sent back for repairs, how it was configured when it left the factory, and maybe who it was built for or shipped to. It's increases the value of the gun too if current configuration matches the factory records plus it's a nice piece of history to have.