Winchester Model 21 (side-by-side shotgun)

Winchester Model 21 is a type of side-by-side shotgun, manufactured by an American business called, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The business started the production of this gun model in the year 1931 and stopped its production in 1960. During this period, the business had produced roughly 30,000 guns. The manufacture of this deluxe side by side gun was again started under a permit to the Connecticut gun mechanized business.

Design of the Model 21 gun

The action of this Model 21 gun is a standard breech loading, generally called a hinge or break action. Similar to all high-quality double guns, production of the Winchester Model 21 is a time-consuming process, owing to the painstaking process of amalgamation of the barrels to create an equal convergence of shot. The Model 21 was the effort of Winchester to make a high-class side by side rifle to its competitors who are of high-end manufacturers, like Fox and Parker. However financial difficulties overwhelmed the growth of the Model 21 gun, pending the Western Cartridge Company procured Winchester Repeating Arms in the year 1931. Currently, the Model 21 rifle has substantial collectors after it is observed as almost an adapted shotgun.

During the manufacturing period from 1931 to 1959, the grades of the Winchester Model 21 gun were chambered in 20, 16 and 12 gauge. The .410 bore was provided only in the Custom Grade, and is extremely uncommon only surpassed by the 8 identified 28-gauge guns that were manufactured. The Model 21 was offered with barrel lengths, ranged from 26 to 32 inches (66.0 to 81.3cm). The base of the trigger plates was usually imprinted with the grade name.

Different grades of the Model 21

Standard grade: This grade of guns contained barrels with a vented or matte rib, and top quality grade walnut stocks were fixed in a straight or a firearm grip pattern.

Trap: The trap is a superior grade tournament firearm that was made of high-quality wood and a stock was made as per the dimensional requirements of customers. The trigger plate was imprinted with the word "TRAP."

Tournament: This grade of guns was manufactured between 1933 and 1944. They are alike to the standard grade, but with their trigger plate was marked with the word "TOURNAMENT."

Skeet: This grade is the same as the Trap grade, but it comes in as a 28 gauge. The trigger plate of this gun was imprinted as "SKEET."

Custom or Deluxe: This meticulous grade incorporated a stock that was custom fit to the client. The top rib was imprinted with the word "CUSTOM BUILT" and the base trigger plate was stamped with the word "DELUXE."

Duck or Magnum: Duck or Magnum grade guns were offered with the same features as that of the Standard grade. The Duck alternative was manufactured from 1940 to 1952, and it was chambered for 12-gauge, 3-inch (7.6cm) shells only, equipped with a DUCK-marked trigger plate. The Magnum edition was produced from 1953 to 1959 in both 20 and 12 gauge, equipped with 3-inch (7.6cm) chambers. This Magnum version has not provided with trigger plate marks.

During the custom shop manufacturing period from 1960 to 1991, the grades of the Winchester Model 21 were offered in 28, 20, 16, 12 gauge and .410 bore among 16 gauge being the most uncommon. Barrels were manufactured with different lengths ranged from 26 to 32 inches (66.0 to 81.3cm). Selected imprinted models were accessed in six dissimilar configurations, with the maximum figure representing more overstated engraving.