Winchester Model 21 Duck
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Shotgun · Out Of Production · 1940
Also known as: Model 21 Duck, Winchester 21 Duck, Model 21 Heavy Duck
Overview
The Winchester Model 21 Duck is the heavy-duck waterfowling variant of Winchester's premium Model 21 side-by-side double-barrel shotgun, built from 1940. Chambered exclusively for the 12 gauge 3-inch magnum shell and with its trigger plate stamped 'DUCK,' it pairs the Model 21's forged chrome-molybdenum steel frame and dovetailed chopper-lump barrels with long barrels bored full-and-full choke for maximum reach on high-flying waterfowl. It retains the hammerless boxlock action, single selective trigger and automatic ejectors, and its stock was cut to a shorter length of pull to suit the heavy clothing worn by duck hunters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3515 g (124.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1194 mm (47.01") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| 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 | 55 m (60 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, 12 Gauge 3-inch Magnum
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, Full Full Chokes, Three Inch Magnum Chamber, Shortened Length Of Pull
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian waterfowl and wingshooting hunters
Production
Production years: 1940-1952
Low-volume premium production as a grade of the Model 21; exact Duck-grade figures not separately published. Succeeded by the Model 21 Magnum grade from 1953.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: T.C. Johnson
Discontinued: 1952
Notes
The 'Duck' grade ran roughly 1940-1952 in 12 gauge only with 3-inch chambers; it was effectively succeeded by the Model 21 Magnum grade (1953-1959) offered in both 12 and 20 gauge 3-inch. Barrels were most often 30" or 32" bored full & full. Two-shell capacity, one per break-action barrel.
Background
The Duck grade was Winchester's answer to the arrival of the 3-inch 12 gauge magnum waterfowl load, marrying the Model 21's legendary strength - a base Model 21 famously survived 2,000 proof loads in John Olin's torture tests - to a purpose-built long-range duck gun bored tight full-and-full.