doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Model 21 Question-- What is a flatside?

Can anyone please tell me what the difference is between a flatside model 21 and the regular 21 action? Also, were DT's only made on earlier guns or did they make them on later guns as well?
Thank you!

The original Model 21 had reinforcement bosses on the sides of the action. Subsequent usage showed that they did not contribute to the strenght of the action and for cosmetic/weight reasons they were ground, filed off leaving a flat surface that some thought/think more attractive for engraving and save a bit of weight. The 'flat side' option then became synonymous with the 'Custom Built' guns and later the Custom Shop guns.
Double triggers were orignally offered while the Winchester single triger was in development. At any time during the manufacturing history, one could and still can from CSMC order a Model 21 with double triggers.-Dick

Thank you very much.

Could be I'm misremembering, but I seem to recall that the ST became "standard" on the Model 21 mid to late 40's, which was long before the gun became a custom shop only product. (Also true of automatic ejectors?) So while you could still order a DT 21, you don't see a lot of them other than on early guns and a relative few later special orders.

Personally, I like the appearance of the bosses on a 21--as I also do on a Fox. Helps to dress up the boxlock receiver, which can otherwise be pretty plain.

The "flat side" rounded frames that were ordered back before the Custom Shop took over production had the side panels and bottom edges removed by hand file. This left a slight bulge on the sides of the frame, only noticed on close inspection. A picture on page 52 of Schwing. The weight saving was less than 2 oz.

The Custom Shop guns had the side panels milled off for a flat side rounded frame(the bottom edges of the frame and the area behind the fences were rounded).

Now, in the first year of production, there were a few "true" flat side frames built. They had no side panels and had sharp edges at the bottom of the frame except for a small are at the hinge pin that was rounded. Picture on page 51 of Schwing.

I agree with Larry, I like the side panels much better that the smooth sides.

OK, I see the difference now on some pics on Galazan's site. They have a 21 Flatside with DT's for a reasonable price. Can't tell if it has been restocked though, it may have. They also have a 32" Duck, that looks good and has a very short LOP, so I would need to restock it.

Unless special ordered, all 21 Duck Grades will have a short LOP. That was to accommodate the heavy clothing worn when duck hunting in cold weather.
It might be easier to find a 32" trap gun that has a longer LOP.

kevin I am assuming you are reffering to the striaght grip Model 21 Duck on Galazan's site?????? I don't believe that was restocked. Thats a beauty and I have been considering buying it. better jump if you want it..... LOL actually I have a few irons in the fire so I am not in the position to buy it now. I hope it does not sell anytime soon. I do like that very much. Yes you and I would both have to either have it restocked or altered. I would go the restock and hang onto the original stock.

32" Duck's are very nice for the blind but they were standard with 13&5/8" LOP and pistol grip, which was one of the smartest things Winchester ever did as this makes them very comfortable and easy to control for cold weather use. A 1950 Winchester catalog does say it was a $4.60 option for straight grip but lists no LOP. In any event the gun should be marked 'Duck' on the floorplate and I would get a Cody letter stating the gun was originally sold as a Duck before purchase. In any event, Duck chokes are usually about 35 thousands. With Kent TM #1 shot, 50 yd goose kills are very possible but I would not purchase one and modify the chokes. They were made for waterfowl hunting.-Dick

Dick_dup1,

This gun has a stock that measures 14-1/4" X 1-1/2" X 2-1/4" AE SST late 1940's 7lbs 11oz for $7,999.00. Kevin this is the gun you are talking about I do believe. Its the only Duck grade with straight grip on Galazans site right now. I want it!!!!!!!!!!!! All I would do is lenghten the forcing cones, open the chokes to .015 in each barrel. Then have a stock made for it. I could still use it for ducks and upland. My favorite duck spot is loaded with woodies, teal, and greenheads. They come in to the decoys so nice. The farthest shot you could even get in there is 25 yards. Its thick with trees and cattails. I have had great luck with these chokes on ducks and upland game.