Tip-toeing in, I go along with views that grade-for-grade there are better American guns. JO'C's endorsement was: "I believe the Model 21 Winchester double is probably the strongest, most rugged, and most trouble-free double ever made." Even taking out the qualifier, that doesn't say much for the Model 21. There's more to a good gun than strength and plumbing.
Don't think that's all O'Connor had to say about the 21. I never read him, but was influenced to check out the 16 ga. M-21 by what Gene Hill and Don Zutz wrote of it. I've never regretted buying mine -- it's not hard to dismiss naysayers who've never seen nor handled it. I like it enough that I invested in dressing it up a little ... posted a few photos recently on the "Bulino Engraving" thread.
Jay
