Winchester 21 16 ga two barrel set

[Jim Bennett]

How rare are they?
One set is skeet other is field. Both serial numbers to frame.
Not knowing much about 21's don't know how original it is. Might have been re stocked long ago.

[Randy G Roberts]

I wouldn't say that they are rare but more unccommo in that most 2 barrel sets I have seen are definitely in gauges other than 16. Close examination or Cody will be the way to determine originality. Or possibly Pauline M. If you get her some pics.

[Jim Bennett]

Pauline M.?

[Jim Bennett]

Is she the gal in Mt that works for Winchester?
If so, I have emailed her several times for unrelated info and have yet to get any response. Months ago.

[Randy G Roberts]

Yes. Pauline Muerrle. I have always found her to be very responsive, helpful, and of course knowledgeable.

[John Campbell]

There IS a book on the Model 21. It may hold some answers:

https://www.amazon.com/Winchesters-Finest-Model-Ned-Schwing/dp/0873411579/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=winchester+model+21&qid=1549903210&s=books&sr=1-1-catcorr

[Jim Bennett]

Thank you . Another avenue to travel.

[John Dallas]

Interesting that the paperback is priced higher than the hard cover. I have the hardcover. It's full of good data

[Randy G Roberts]

Speaking of 16 gauge M-21's I think it was two years ago when Bill Hatfield had a field grade with 32" barrels. It is the only 32" 16 I have ever seen. I should have bought that gun and I regret not doing so quite often. The price was a little high but I would have been over that before I got home.

[Dave Noreen]

How rare are they?

Back to the original question, because of incomplete records that is impossible to know. People can guess, but they can't know.

I do know I like my 1941 vintage, 16-gauge, Model 21 Skeet Gun.

[James L. Martin]

how true my 1940 vintage 20 gauge model 21 skeet gun looks great, shoots great and it has that magical feel.

[Randy G Roberts]

I have some 20 gauge 21's but for me it's the 32" VR Trap that I acquired in 2009 that is my work horse. It has been my go to sporting clays gun. Finally shot the short rib loose last year and had to have it repaired. It's seen a lot of use but I think it might get a little break when UPS gets here Tuesday with my latest Parker.

[John Dallas]

I have an interesting M21 20 gauge 2 bbl set. It is designated as a skeet grade gun, and has all the features of the skeet grade. The work order says Skeet, but the skeet stamp is missing from the bottom of the floorplate. 26" IC/Mod, and 30" Mod/Full. Both chambered for 3" shells. It would be one of the last guns out of my safe if I had to dispose of them

[Dave Noreen]

Uh oh!! Is it time for me to start my Skeet Gun rant again! I'm closing in on having every Winchester catalog for the period the Model 21 was a catalog item. The Model 21 Skeet Gun was introduced in 1932, being available in Tournament Grade, Trap Grade or Custom Built Grade. During 1935 or 36 the Tournament Grade was dropped and the entry-level Model 21 Skeet Gun became the Standard Grade. For 1937, 38 and 39 the Model 21 Skeet Gun was offered in Standard Grade, Trap Grade or Custom Built Grade. By 1940 the Trap Grade was gone. For 1940 and 41 the Model 21 Skeet Gun was offered in Standard Grade and Custom Built Grade. After WW-II the Custom Built Grade was replaced with the Deluxe Grade, and the offerings were the basic Model 21 Skeet Gun (the term Standard Grade disappears from the text) or the Deluxe Grade Model 21 Skeet Gun. By 1952 the Custom Built Grade replaces the Deluxe Grade and from then through 1959 it is the Model 21 Skeet Gun and the Custom Built Grade Skeet Gun. That is what the Winchester Catalogs called them. Cody seems to play real fast and loose with the terms Skeet Gun and Skeet Grade.

[Randy G Roberts]

Uh oh is exactly right Dave. I should stay away from this entirely but I cannot help myself. As I recall it there are numerous Model 21 aficionados out there that make the argument if you will that grade as it applies to the model 21 is not a grade at all, but rather a finish. I would like to hear your thoughts on that. Also I had stated earlier that I had only seen one model 21 in a 16 gauge with 32 inch barrels. Have you ever ran across any ? Thanks for your input.

[John Dallas]

I'm away from my M21 book, so I can't date it, but with a serial number of 31655, I think it is a late gun. The factory work sheet called the gun "Skeet", but obviously with the tighter chokes, and 3" chambers, it was a designated as a grade, not a type.