budrichard
11-09-07, 06:52 AM
In 1960 Model 21 production was centered in one area of the Winchester plant known as the Custom Shop. Most Model 21 manufacturing was now done in this area and three standard Model 21's were offered.
The 'Custom Grade' had most notably 21-1 engraving, AA grade wood, single line border checkering and engine tooled barrel and reciever flats.
The 'Pigeon Grade' had 21-6 engraving and many feel is the most beautiful of all the Model 21's.
The 'Grand American' was a two barrel set with 21-6 w/inlay and became the highest grade one could purchase at that time.
About 1030 Custom Shop Model 21's were manufactured and if considering a purchase of one of these guns, a Cody record as well as a thourough examination are in order because they don't come cheap!
During 1968 a W prefix was added to the serial # as a result of the 1968 Gun control Act.
I have had gunsmiths examine a Custom Grade 20 gauge Model 21 and determine that it was not Winchester manufacture because the quality was too good. In reality compared to the Production era the cosmetics of checkering and overall finish are better but the underlying gun is the same.
The 'Custom Grade' had most notably 21-1 engraving, AA grade wood, single line border checkering and engine tooled barrel and reciever flats.
The 'Pigeon Grade' had 21-6 engraving and many feel is the most beautiful of all the Model 21's.
The 'Grand American' was a two barrel set with 21-6 w/inlay and became the highest grade one could purchase at that time.
About 1030 Custom Shop Model 21's were manufactured and if considering a purchase of one of these guns, a Cody record as well as a thourough examination are in order because they don't come cheap!
During 1968 a W prefix was added to the serial # as a result of the 1968 Gun control Act.
I have had gunsmiths examine a Custom Grade 20 gauge Model 21 and determine that it was not Winchester manufacture because the quality was too good. In reality compared to the Production era the cosmetics of checkering and overall finish are better but the underlying gun is the same.