doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com First Model 21?

I�m starting a search for an American-made SxS for pass shooting doves, the occasional ducks and moderate amounts of clay shooting. The Model 21 is high on my list and specifically a 30� barrelled version with a straight stock and BTFE. I�d prefer fixed chokes but am not completely opposed to choke tubes. As much as I�d like a little engraving, it�s not likely the budget will support it. As a shooter, originality is not required.

I am new to Model 21s and was hoping for a bit of a crash course from the members. Are there certain eras or serial number ranges to avoid or pursue? Any common issues or repairs to be aware of? What would be the current rate for such a gun? I�ve found two in the desired configuration for $5k+/-.

Thanks in advance.

Anyone who puts choke tubes in a Model 21 needs to be horse whipped.
Just sayin'.

Since same profile barrels were used for both 2&3/4 and 3" chambered guns I would look for gun with longer factory chambers called Duck grade and later Magnum grade. There are couple of benefits to this firstly resale value secondly it will have longer barrels and chokes will likely be on tighter side leaving room for opening per your personal requirements. Prior to buying one I would get to understand patent 1797320 as you want gun with some room left for due to wear. I hope that helps.

Anyone who even thinks about putting choke tubes in a Model 21 needs to be horse whipped.

Choke tubes are pain in ass and not really needed unless one wants one shotgun for deer hunting, small upland game and turkey hunting. For that there is special gun called a Drilling. What I find shocking good used sample can be had for $2500 to $6000 just like they were 30 years ago. By good sample I mean one of sensible weight with rifle barrel for which ammo is commercially available.

That's what I found. They start around $4,999.00 in 12 gauge and go up from there. I couldn't find anything local but on the internet saw a beater at $3,999.00 and it didn't last long. I've concluded that there are no bargains out there in Model 21s.

You want a Model 21 you're going to pay for a Model 21.

That in itself should tell you something right there.

There are a lot of 21's out there. Be patient and look at as many as you can. In other words don't buy the first one you find. I'd make a list of all the features you want in the gun. Then decide if some are deal breakers or just gravy. I'd like two triggers but others will go two or one just the same. If you are interested in BTFE make sure where it is attached has no play in it and the hanger must be secure. BTFE have been known to pull off under heavy use. Enjoy the search.

Briley thinwall chokes in a Model 21 12 ga. are just fine if you want to make it a versatile gun for hunting and clays. I once owned a no. 1 engraved trap 21 with 30" barrels that had Briley thinwalss in it, and it was one of the best shooters I've ever owned. One of the finest late winter dove hunts I've ever had was with that gun. The 21 collector I sold it to could not have cared less about the choke tube installation. Should have kept that gun, but the $2,000 profit I made on it looked pretty good at the time.

This is a really nice piece at Steve Barnett's that meets your criteria, and is priced right about where these guns are now. Steve will bargain, but cash speaks the loudest:
https://stevebarnettfineguns.com/winches...nt-rib-12-gauge
JR

Personal opinion here, but I'd scratch the engraving from the wish list. For the most part the factory patterns were pretty uninspired. It's not until you get to the very top end of the in-house engraving or nice custom work that it really begins to look good.

Ive got a beautiful double trigger, splinter forend mdl 21 I'd sell for $3000. Factory 28 in choked cyl/mod as marked on the barrels.