doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Number of model 21s for sale

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;-)

Greg, less than five years ago I bought two 21s for less than $2000.00 at the Louisville show. One is the one that I am presently putting a leather pad on and lengthening the LOP. I paid $1600.00 for it. Other than the stock cut it is in about 99% condition. Serial #93. The other was in a bit rough condition. But I paid about $1500.00 for it. I had to replace both beads. I have been using it for about 4-5 years now as my pheasant gun........KMcMichael, 32" barrels are getting hard to find anymore. I bought one with 32" barrels at the Grand about four years ago. Straight grip, DT, SFE. The I/M barrel is excellent for singles trap. It really crushes 'em. The only thing I hate is the SFE. Those barrels get HOT!!..... And Dick, thanks for the forum. I'll check it out. Good luck to all.

Jimmy W, I use gloves.

Jimmy W,

Sorry it took me so long to post this but I had to double check on a serial number on a Model 21 I know of. It's Serial #38. I will see if I can get pics of it soon.

They might be at an all-time high and the owners are trying to finance a English sidelock ejector gamegun with the cash.

Jason, one of my shooting buddies has #39. Another friend bought #98 (I think) at the 2007 Vintagers. They are both double trigger, extractor guns.

Bill,

Now that is something...consecutive serial numbered guns found! I will tell my buddy about this. I plan to visit him in the next few weeks and will get pics then. Are there not early serial numbered guns mentioned in Schwings book?

Jason

I don't know whether Schwing mentions guns that low in number. The #39 and #98 guns are in high condition compared to others in the same era I've seen. My non ejector double trigger 21, now gone, was a low four digit number. I like the canoe paddle stock and splinter forend on the early guns for hunting. I have a canoe paddle, splinter forearm gun with single trigger and ejectors. This is a scarce variation only made for a very short time, in my experience and opinion. The ultimate low serial number Model 21 would be #21.

My #93 is the lowest I have seen personally, but 38 and 39 are really early ones. On the earlier models I also like the knob that detachs the forarm. The curved frames around the hinge pin is something else that will show a gun made in the first year or the very first years. Even more rare is an early one without the side panels. I would love to see pictures if you guys can get them. Thanks and good luck.

Without side panels? Explain that one.