"Proud Newb"

[cunroe]

All,

Long time shooter, mostly handguns, and forum member across the net (i.e. 1911forum.com, etc.). It is a privilege to be here as I now have a Model 21 in my collection. Long-story short, have a Skeet 20 GUAGE showing some "field use wear" (this was a working gun early in its life) and some neglect but...I'm proud to own it.

I have the process underway with Cody to obtain the factory letter and hopefully the order sheet. Certain to have some "newb" questions along the way so bear with me. Here she is, SN 15XXX and I know the "ownership" history as well.

Note - I'll post some of the "uglier" pics later showing wear and a bit of rust but...I don't have the heart to embarass her for this introduction :D Amazing what bright lights and a flash can pick-up with macro settings.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r14/cunroe/21sup1.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r14/cunroe/21sup2.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r14/cunroe/21sup5.jpg

[budrichard]

That's a nice 20 gauge 'SKEET'.
These guns were made for competition of the era and also marketed as the perfect upland gun which they certainly can be.
The Sk1 and Sk2 chokes are excellent preformers. Check the constrictions with a Professional bore gauge but there should have been no reason to alter the chokes.
It appears that the gun has been reblued along the way because the flats are blued but these guns were designed for a couple of lifetimes of use and that certainly is no problem. Clean it up and don't do any radical refinishing until a complete analysis can be done of what exactly needs to be done, who will do it and just as important, what it is going to cost.
Most of the time, just a good cleaning is needed and use as is.-Dick

[cunroe]

That's a nice 20 gauge 'SKEET'...Clean it up and don't do any radical refinishing until a complete analysis can be done..., who will do it...Most of the time, just a good cleaning is needed and use as is.-Dick

Thanks Dick, appreciate the comments & advice. To-date I have done nothing beyond basic take-down, a full clean and oil. Well...I have stood around with a dumb look on my face and just admired her too! As noted above, a privilege to have this Model 21 in my overall, and somewhat limited, collection of hardware.

Questions for the M21 forum crew;

Q1: I just received a call from Cody and unfortunately, all I will get is the factory letter, no order sheet to be found. What should I "look for" of significance on the documentation I will receive (tips? i.e. specific dates, etc.)?, Will I be able to glean anyhting of value from that one document only?

Q2: I'm home-based in Colorado, ~40 miles Southwest of Golden (or greater Denver) and "up the hill!" Way up! heh heh Any recommendations for Model 21 pros in this market for both an assessment of restoration actions (if any) and an insurance appraisal? Need some help if possible.

Thanks in advance.

[cunroe]

Still hoping for some input on the above question: "...based in Colorado, ~40 miles Southwest of Golden (or greater Denver)...ny recommendations for Model 21 pros in this market for both an assessment of restoration actions (if any) and an insurance appraisal?

Here's what I have per the factory letter, any thoughts/comments?

Skeet Grade
Symbol: G2122B
20 guage
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Right Barrel: S-choke, Left barrel: S-choke
Single trigger
Selective ejector
Non-Automatic safety
Pistol grip stock
Checkered butt
Pitch - 1-3/4 in., Pull - 14 in., Drop at heel - 2-1/2 in., Drop at comb - 1-9/16 in.
Comb width: Regular
Finish: Skeet
Made for: Stock
Order number: Stock
Inspection started: October 31, 1947
Inspection finished: November 13th, 1947

No Order Sheet available for this serial number.

No other information is available for this serial number.

[durco]

Someone who knows the answer to your question may eventually respond. This is an unusual forum; it seems there is only about one new post per week....
Mike

[budrichard]

You have a stock 28" Model 'Skeet' in 20 gauge. A very desirable gun. The previous version had a barrel length of 26". There were only two standard versions made for stock, 26" and 28".
I can't give you a good opinion if anything needs to be done without the gun in hand.
'Ring' the barrel to determine if a possible loose rib.
Verify safety operation.
Shoot the gun noting any misfires.
Judge if the guns shoots where you want it to.
I would measure the chokes but no one would open what are essentially open chokes anyway.
If the gun functions OK and even if you suspect a loose rib, if the gun satisfies you, then use as is. I believe your gun is already renfinished once so why do it again. Wait another 30 years and if constant use has caused it to need a reblue, then do it.
As for insurance, I wouldn't spend costly money on an appraisel. Scheduling the item is costly over the long run and if your going to use the gun for 30 years, add up the cost of insurance over that time period and if you can afford the loss, who needs it. Better to purchase a safe.
Hope this helps.-Dick