Its almost funny how much controversy exists surrounding the only two SxS's that Winchester ever made themselves.
21's stand on their own quite well. Within our shooting lifetimes they have never been inexpensive. To suggest that they are somehow inferior &/or over priced is simply not supported by their historic user base nor the market's opinion of them. Higher grade guns will always command a premium, but I'm one of those who would rather have a simple 'DUCK' that didn't have to go through any annealing process for embellishment .. to each his own.
Is it the top of their market? I dunno, but there will not be any more originals & like Parkers, there are probably many more up-grades then ever were ordered or commissioned through the custom shop. Too, CSM is hardly giving their new ones away. Many factors probably play some role in the market at any given point in time, but it is ultimately controlled by desire & means on the buyer's side and necessity on the seller's.
I might bring to the table for discussion, that while many makers have come up with sound U/O designs capable of many thousands of rounds of stout loads and w/o wandering into controversy regarding other SxS configurations, no one has really come forth with anything that should threaten a 21 shooter's confidence. Bill's remarks reflect that simple reality, one that I have frequently witnessed since the 50's as a young man and from the 60's as a shooter.
The sisty ugler 24 has its own separate & distinct cadre of loyal users and loyal detractors, but as Rocketman would quickly point out, its on a much lower tier. A dif market altogether, and it was priced, designed & mfg'd. accordingly.
Mention of either seems to elicit a bevy of responses. In the absence of being afield w/friends & dogs or at the club, it beats watching TV;-)
