SKEET Grade Questions

[durco]

Hi, boys:

I am a new and happy owner of my first model 21 as well as a new member of the forum. Naturally, I have a few questions, so here goes....

My recently aquired 12-ga SKEET (#26126, completed May 25, 1953) has an ebony (or at least black) insert in the BT forend near the front. It is sort of "Y" or triangular in shape. A fellow who seems to know quite a bit about 21's told me that probably means a wood upgrade. Did all Skeet grades of this era have a black insert, or is it, indeed, a probable indication of a wood upgrade? I'm no expert grader of wood, but the gun has very nice wood.

Second question: There is no wording on the barrel rib such as "custom made by winchester", etc.. (It is not a vented rib.) Is this normal for a gun of this era to have no wording on the rib?

Thanks.

Mike Durhan

[budrichard]

SKEET Grades, so marked on the floorplate were considered an upgrade and usually have nicer wood than a Field Grade gun made for stock.
The ebony insert does not indicate an 'upgrade' but was introduced to help with fore end cracking.
My personal opinion that the Model 21 Skeet Grades are the nicest of the made for stock guns.
"Custom Built By Winchester" will only show up on guns that were 'Custom Built' grade before 1960. I think Deluxe guns may well also have that marking as Winchester changed the name of its top grade through the years. Production guns do not have that engraving on the rib as the 'Custom Built' was a made to order Model 21.
'Custom Built By Winchester' was also marked on guns out of the Custom Shop and some advertise any with that marking as a Custom Shop gun which is incorrect. The distinction my be subtle, but only about 1030 Model 21's came out of the Custom Shop. It is possible to have two identical Model 21's, both marked 'Custom Built By Winchester' that are essentially the same and the only difference that I know of it the border around the checkering changed from double line to single line.
Note, most USRAC guns only read 'Custom Built Winchester'.-Dick

[durco]

Great information. Thanks. Mike

[rperlichek]

I would be interested to know the dimensions of the ebony insert i.e width at the front and overall length to the point. Also, would it be possible to post a photo?

Thanks -- Bob

[durco]

I would be interested to know the dimensions of the ebony insert i.e width at the front and overall length to the point. Also, would it be possible to post a photo?

Thanks -- Bob
Bob:
3/4" wide at the top (front) of forend; 1-1/2" long. I don't know how to post a picture, but if I learn anytime soon, I'll post one.
Mike Durhan

[cartod]

Here's a photo.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b307/cartod/Guns%20and%20Hunting/IMG_5590.jpg