budrichard
11-08-07, 02:01 PM
First, acquire a copy of Ned Swing's book, 'Winchester's Finest, The Model 21'.
This is the indespensible reference for the Production Years and the Custom Shop Years. USRAC and CSMC are not referenced but the information presented will lay a good foundation for your purchase.
Second, read and study the type of 21 you wish to purchase or use the book as a reference for evaluating a Model 21 you contemplate purchasing.
Third, acquire or have the use of a Professional Bore gauge and chamber lenght gauges. Many owners have modified the chambers or choking on thier Model 21's. You want to know how your Model 21 is choked. This will not always match conventional choke constrictions or chamber lengths. Winchester in particular had thier own way of doing things. There is table of constrictions available in Swing's book. For reference I have found 3" Magnums chambers 2&7/8" using a set of Galazan gauges for both 12 and 20 gauge. go figure? The IM 12 gauge choke seems to be a lot lighter than even the Winchester specification. You simply must know what the constrictions are.
Fourth, note ALL markings on the reciever bottom, rib, barrel flats, reciever flats, butt and grip cap if any. These markings are your road map to determining what the Grade and Model is. There are many variations of the Model 21 besides the Field Grade. Valuation is often according to Grade and Model.
Inspection, if familiar with double barrel shotguns and Model 21's in particular, you can do this yourself. If not, you need assistance. If the valuation is high, an independant may be chosen but note that the Model 21 dealers and anyone of significant note, all know each other and it is up to you to determine if you are getting an objective valuation. Dealers generally look at firearms as commodities and usually evaluate different than collectors or shooters.
Sixth, ask questions of this Forum and others to try to answer any questions you have.
Seventh, valuation. In the final analysis, the valuation of an item is determined when money changes hands between the seller and the purchaser. Blue Books, Auctions values and other sources are all useful but they don't determine what to pay for a particular Model 21. YOU DO!
Eighth, look and handle every Model 21 you can. The more familiar you are with the Model 21, the better when it comes time to purchase.
Ninth, it is only by actually purchasing and acquiring Model 21's or any other shotgun, that one really begins to know the nuances and gain a feel for the brand. Unfortuneatly that will entail a substantial amount of time and money and maybe some mistakes along the way.
If you are not comfortable with evaluating used shotguns or purchasing and selling them or if time is important, then consider a new Model 21 if expenses permit. The $$ bite is large but you get exactly what you want. There are a few Dealers in used Model 21's that I could reccamend if you PM me. As I accept no advertizing from any Dealers on this Forum, there is no conflict of interest. But remember that Model 21's are commodoties to Dealers and they just don't evauate as collectors. -Dick
This is the indespensible reference for the Production Years and the Custom Shop Years. USRAC and CSMC are not referenced but the information presented will lay a good foundation for your purchase.
Second, read and study the type of 21 you wish to purchase or use the book as a reference for evaluating a Model 21 you contemplate purchasing.
Third, acquire or have the use of a Professional Bore gauge and chamber lenght gauges. Many owners have modified the chambers or choking on thier Model 21's. You want to know how your Model 21 is choked. This will not always match conventional choke constrictions or chamber lengths. Winchester in particular had thier own way of doing things. There is table of constrictions available in Swing's book. For reference I have found 3" Magnums chambers 2&7/8" using a set of Galazan gauges for both 12 and 20 gauge. go figure? The IM 12 gauge choke seems to be a lot lighter than even the Winchester specification. You simply must know what the constrictions are.
Fourth, note ALL markings on the reciever bottom, rib, barrel flats, reciever flats, butt and grip cap if any. These markings are your road map to determining what the Grade and Model is. There are many variations of the Model 21 besides the Field Grade. Valuation is often according to Grade and Model.
Inspection, if familiar with double barrel shotguns and Model 21's in particular, you can do this yourself. If not, you need assistance. If the valuation is high, an independant may be chosen but note that the Model 21 dealers and anyone of significant note, all know each other and it is up to you to determine if you are getting an objective valuation. Dealers generally look at firearms as commodities and usually evaluate different than collectors or shooters.
Sixth, ask questions of this Forum and others to try to answer any questions you have.
Seventh, valuation. In the final analysis, the valuation of an item is determined when money changes hands between the seller and the purchaser. Blue Books, Auctions values and other sources are all useful but they don't determine what to pay for a particular Model 21. YOU DO!
Eighth, look and handle every Model 21 you can. The more familiar you are with the Model 21, the better when it comes time to purchase.
Ninth, it is only by actually purchasing and acquiring Model 21's or any other shotgun, that one really begins to know the nuances and gain a feel for the brand. Unfortuneatly that will entail a substantial amount of time and money and maybe some mistakes along the way.
If you are not comfortable with evaluating used shotguns or purchasing and selling them or if time is important, then consider a new Model 21 if expenses permit. The $$ bite is large but you get exactly what you want. There are a few Dealers in used Model 21's that I could reccamend if you PM me. As I accept no advertizing from any Dealers on this Forum, there is no conflict of interest. But remember that Model 21's are commodoties to Dealers and they just don't evauate as collectors. -Dick