Winchester Model 21
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Shotgun · Out Of Production · 1931
Also known as: Model 21, Winchester 21
Overview
The Winchester Model 21 is a premium American side-by-side double-barrel shotgun introduced in 1931. A hammerless boxlock with automatic ejectors and (on most guns) a single selective inertia trigger, it is renowned for the exceptional strength of its forged chrome-molybdenum steel frame and chopper-lump barrels joined by a dovetail rather than soft solder. Offered in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge and .410 bore across Standard, Tournament, Trap, Skeet, Custom, Grand American and Pigeon grades, it became the prestige American 'best gun.'
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3450 g (121.7 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Single Selective Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Chopper Lump Barrels, Vented Rib, Beavertail Forend
Variants
- Winchester Model 21 Trap — Trap
- Winchester Model 21 Skeet — Skeet
- Winchester Model 21 Grand American — Custom
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and competition shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 30,000 · Production years: 1931-1959
About 30,000 from standard production (serials ~1-35,000) plus roughly 1,000 Custom Shop guns into the 1990s; low volume due to high cost
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: T.C. Johnson
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
Mass production ran 1931 to about 1959-1960; the Winchester Custom Shop continued small-batch production into the 1990s, and the design was later licensed to Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. Barrel lengths 26" to 32". Capacity is two shells, one per break-action barrel.
Background
John Olin settled the American-versus-British best-gun debate with torture tests using overpressure 'blue pill' proof loads: a Model 21 fired 2,000 proof rounds with no measurable damage while competing guns failed in as few as around 300 shots, and its forged chrome-moly frame and dovetailed chopper-lump barrels made it legendarily strong.