I just found this one, and it looks like it could end up being a good deal. I love these Winchester M21s, and it’s tough to find them with 28″.
If you like what you see, get on it right away. This gun is at GunAuction.com and the listing ends today February 14, 2016, @ 17:26:00 PT.
Serial Number: 1438
Year of Manufacture: Likely a First year production. These guns were not assembled and completed in order of serial number. A Cody letter would show no records for this shotgun. All features and configuration lead us to believe this is is an early production shotgun.
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Extractor Shotgun
Markings: The side of the right barrel is marked “MODEL 21 – WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK – 12 GAUGE” The left barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / – NEW HAVEN. CONN. – PATENTS PENDING – ” and both barrel flats have Winchester proof marks. The underside of the right barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / MOD” followed by the verified proof “VP” in a circle. The bottom of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / FULL” and Varified Proof. The barrel is numbered to the gun on the barrel flat. The inside of the forearm is stamped “1438” on the metal hardware. The right water table has the “WP” proof mark. The top tang is marked “1438”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Right Mod Left Full. The right bore at the muzzle measures .710”. The left bore at the muzzle measures .692”.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. There are small light scuff marks on the left side. The belly and right side have light compression marks. The right side of the wrist just behind the tang has a light compression in the wood (it is in the exact place the thumb would rest on a right handed shooter just before pushing the safety forward). There is light oil staining to the wood where it meets the metal. There are no cracks or chips to the stock. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the front trigger and 13″ to the back of the checkered Winchester marked buttplate. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2” and the drop at the heel is 2 1/2” The stocks rate in about Very Good – Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and gray / plum patina, mostly visible near the muzzle on the left barrel. There is light surface scratches from cleaning. The tangs and underside of the frame show the most finish loss (this is a field gun and this wear is common in the handled areas). The screw heads are slightly disfigured. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun has extractors. We have not fired this shotgun. We were told by the owner that it has been field tested and brought home it’s fair share of birds.
