Some of the earlier 21s made in the first year did not have side panels, eightbore. (Later on they removed them by filing them off. And eventually they removed them altogether.) I have seen only one, personally. It was in the low 100s in serial number. It was probably made in the first year or two ......KMcMichael, I have to use gloves when I shoot with a splinter if I am shooting trap. If I am hunting I usually don't. In the summer when it is really hot, I use gloves when shooting trap with my regular trap gun, but only to keep the gun from slipping in my hands.