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Winchester Model 21 Question #680493 09/27/26 11:30 AM
Joined: Sep 2026 Posts: 3 Byron Brown OP Boxlock
OP Byron Brown Boxlock Joined: Sep 2026 Posts: 3	I have a 12 gauge Model 21 that is somewhat harder to open after firing both barrels. The issue does not occur after firing only one barrel. The top lever moves like it should, so it doesn't seem like a bolt issue. Ammo has been a mix of Winchester and Estate dove loads (not brass bases). The gun is new to me, so I don't have any history to compare to. Is this normal? If not, any ideas what could be causing this?

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680495 09/27/26 11:43 AM
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,060 Likes: 256 Saxapahaw N.C. PALUNC Sidelock
PALUNC Sidelock Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,060 Likes: 256 Saxapahaw N.C.	Does it do it using snap caps? Mike Proctor
	2 members like this: Stanton Hillis, Ted Schefelbein

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680500 09/27/26 01:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 662 Likes: 74 Denver,co. dogon Sidelock
dogon Sidelock Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 662 Likes: 74 Denver,co.	Just an idea based on being around 21's some. Is the gun hard to open in comparison to other guns you own? The reason why it's easier to open after only shooting one barrel might be due to only having to cock & reset things on one barrel as opposed to doing it on both barrels. The gun might need a good cleaning of the action. Does it open easier on either barrel after firing a single shot, or have you tried shooting the other barrel first and see how it opens in comparison to the other barrel. On the outside chance there might be a mechanical issue like a broken hammer spring on one barrel that can still fire that barrel but might be jamming in the bore of the action for that spring. There's lots of variables but without the gun in hand it's hard to say one way or another what's actually going on if anything.
	1 member likes this: Stanton Hillis

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680501 09/27/26 01:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 751 Likes: 196 Midwest Nitrah Sidelock
Nitrah Sidelock Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 751 Likes: 196 Midwest	my 21 is just slightly harder to open when both barrels have been fired, but not difficult. Check your primers to see if there is a drag mark on 1 of them. You could also take the barrels off, pull the trigger with a block of wood or a quarter against the firing pin hole, now compare how far the firing pins protrude. Don't try this unless you know how and are comfortable recocking the hammer without the forearm on. This ain't a dress rehearsal , Don't Let the Old Man IN
	1 member likes this: Richard Hale

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680508 09/27/26 04:42 PM
Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 434 Likes: 31 Lakeland, Florida Hal M Hare Sidelock
Hal M Hare Sidelock Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 434 Likes: 31 Lakeland, Florida	Check your primers to see if there is a drag mark on them. PULL! Hal M. Hare

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680509 09/27/26 05:21 PM
Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 14,671 Likes: 353 Maryland eightbore Sidelock
eightbore Sidelock Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 14,671 Likes: 353 Maryland	Is your Model 21 an ejector gun or an extractor gun? Extractor Model 21s are notorious for being hard to open after firing.
	1 member likes this: Stanton Hillis

Re: Winchester Model 21 Question Byron Brown #680510 09/27/26 05:58 PM
Joined: Sep 2026 Posts: 3 Byron Brown OP Boxlock
OP Byron Brown Boxlock Joined: Sep 2026 Posts: 3	It is an ejector gun. The issue does not occur with snap caps, as I recall.

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