3" chambers

[Jtown]

I recently purchased my first model 21 standard grade. It is an early manufactured shotgun about 1934. The barrels are marked 2 3/4" chambers but measure at 3". It was returned to the factory years ago to be reblued and have a second set of barrels made. ait also had the double triggers replaced with single trigger. Nothing in the Cody letter mentioned lengthening the chambers. This gun is in excellent mechanical condition, is it safe for 3" shells? It is marked with the VP proof marks.

Walt

[budrichard]

First, we need to be sure that it is in fact chambered for 3" shells.
What measuring instrument was used?
The 3" chambered guns, and I have only measured 3 12 gauge and one 20 gauge, have all measured 2&7/8" with Galazan Pro gauges for what its worth.
Do you have any specific documentation from Cody on the extra barrels and other changes. The reason i ask is barrels and changes were done by other than Winchester of the period and inevitably are passed along as done by Winchester.
In any event as long as barrel wall minimums and chamber measurements are suitable for a 3" Magnum, ther should be no problem but I would want the measurements checked by a gunsmith qualified to work on Winchester Model 21's. A point to consider is a qualified gunsmith and certainly Winchester would have stamped the barrels 3". If they are not stamped 3", then that gives me pause.-Dick

[Jtown]

Dick
Thanks for the reply.
I measured the chambers with Galazan Pro guages and they do measure 3". The second set of barrels I do not have. According to the Cody letter the second set had its own forend, the stock was to be refinished so all wood finish matched.

Walt

[budrichard]

Among competition shooting sources, lengthening the forcing chamber and over sizing the barrel can cause increased pattern uniformity and reduced recoil. Now whether or not that is true is up for debate in my mind but I can tell you that my Kolar SC gun has no evident chamber and I'm sure a 3" shell would easily fit. The patterns are the best I have ever seen but I doubt there is any effect on percieved recoil.
So maybe your chambers were lengthened to provide better patterns. Have you measured the barrel ID?-Dick

[Jtown]

Dick
Are you asking if I miked the chokes, if so I have they are .698 & .720.
Walt