Buzz- My 1938 Winchester Salesman's Catalog details this on the M21- a coil spring assists the opening of the barrels from the breech, once the tapered bolt is withdrawn from the adjustable machine screw's head-- page 40 details this somewhat. Those not accustomed to the design of the great M21, upon first handling one, may inadvertently think the gun in their hands is "loose or off-face" not the case- the coil spring's upward release when the top lever is opened to unbreech the gun may cause a bit of a "wiggle" (for lack of better terminology here) but it is just another "plus" that comes with the M21- along with a superb single trigger.
The Model 21 and the Belgian Browning O/U are the only two double guns that I would buy (if I could afford one) and trust the design of their trigger. Just my viewpoint, not cast in stone- others with "deeper pockets" that can afford Kreighoffs, Perrazis, Berettas, et al- might well also say the same about their shotguns as well, and be right.
Some 30 years ago, when I owned a nice older LeFever DS 20 gauge, DT, EJ, 28" open choked-great grouse gun- a friend let me shoot his Model 21 skeet 20- made in 1938--I killed three pats and two woodcock, over rock-solid points, with his 20 gauge- with 7 shells- early Nov. leafs down, great gunning day- I have never shot better on grouse and woodcock than that day, and that M21 may well have been the reason- less drop and a bit more LOP than the way older LeFever perhaps--I have wanted a 20 gauge M21 since that "red letter day" but never found one within my limited budget.
I think John M. Olin did the American shotgunners of the 1930's a great favor in keeping the M21 in production in spite of the great Depression--If you have one, or are in the market for one, you are indeed most fortunate.
