Winchester's Finest The Model 21
Winchester's Finest The Model 21
by Ned Schwing
The Model 21 is considered by many to be not only Winchester's finest gunmaking effort but also one of the finest American-made shotguns ever produced. Even in today's world of technological advances, the Model 21 is still considered a superior double after its 60-year production run. Its strength and reliability have no peer. In its determination to produce the finest double shotgun, Winchester made the Model 21 in numerous variations based on customer needs and wants. These variations are what make the Model 21 so mystical, unique and fun to collect. Starting with the "Production" years of 1930 to 1959 and ending with the "Custom-shop" years of 1960 to 1990, this book will help the reader sort through the estimated 30,000 Model 21s produced by looking at the history of the gun, the basic kinds of production techniques employed by Winchester in producing the Model 21, and many of its interesting features. According to the author, the Winchester Model 21 is something more than a perfectly built shotgun. It is "a double gun that represents the ideals and aspirations of the men who not only held a job at the Winchester plant, but who devoted their lives to making the finest firearms that could possibly be produced." There is no doubt that those dreams and aspirations produced a remarkable shotgun; truly Winchester's finest.
Contents
The Production Era 1930-1959
by Ned Schwing
The Model 21 is considered by many to be not only Winchester's finest gunmaking effort but also one of the finest American-made shotguns ever produced. Even in today's world of technological advances, the Model 21 is still considered a superior double after its 60-year production run. Its strength and reliability have no peer. In its determination to produce the finest double shotgun, Winchester made the Model 21 in numerous variations based on customer needs and wants. These variations are what make the Model 21 so mystical, unique and fun to collect. Starting with the "Production" years of 1930 to 1959 and ending with the "Custom-shop" years of 1960 to 1990, this book will help the reader sort through the estimated 30,000 Model 21s produced by looking at the history of the gun, the basic kinds of production techniques employed by Winchester in producing the Model 21, and many of its interesting features. According to the author, the Winchester Model 21 is something more than a perfectly built shotgun. It is "a double gun that represents the ideals and aspirations of the men who not only held a job at the Winchester plant, but who devoted their lives to making the finest firearms that could possibly be produced." There is no doubt that those dreams and aspirations produced a remarkable shotgun; truly Winchester's finest.
Contents
- Introduction
- Foreward
- Acknowledgements
The Production Era 1930-1959
- Chapter I: The Early Years / The Hammer Guns / Early Development / Innovations and Early Success
- Chapter II: The Frame / Frame Innovations / Bluing / Frame Stampings / Grade Stampings / Water Table Stampings / Model / Frame Sizes / The 28 Gauge and .410 Bore Frame
- Chapter III: Barrels and Ribs / Barrel Production / Barrel Markings / Barrel Flat Markings / Standard Grade / Skeet Grade / Duck and Magnum Grade / Tournament Grade / Trap Grade / Raised Matted Rib / Ventilated Rib / Chokes / Model 21 Sights / Chambers / The 28 Gauge and .410 Bore Barrels
- Chapter IV: Stocks and Forearms / Finish / Standard Grade / Trap Grade / Tournament Grade / Skeet Grade / Duck and Magnum Grade / Forearms / Custom Stock Work / Checkering / Butt Plates and Pads / Grip Caps
- Chapter V: Custom and Engraving Models 21s / Engraving / Engraved Model 21 .410s / Special Order Checkering / Custom Built, Deluxe, and Custom Deluxe Grades
- Chapter VI: Experimental and Prototype Model 21s / Trigger Development / Ventilated Rib Development / Experimental Model 21s / The Cut-Away / The Try Gun
- Chapter VII: Production and Sales Figures 1930-1959 / Corporate and Divisional Name Changes / Sales and Production / Pre-War Sales and Production / Post-War Sales and Production / Model 21 .410 Sales / Retail Prices
Part II
The Custom Years 1960-1990
- Chapter VIII: The Custom Shop / Work in Process / The Frame / Barrels and Ribs / Stocks and Forearms / Engraving
- Chapter IX: The Custom Guns / The Custom Grade / The Pigeon Grade / The Grand American / Model 21s of the 1980's
- Chapter X: Custom Model 21 Sales and Production / Retail Prices / Winchester Custom Shop Records / Data Analysis of Custom Model 21s
- Appendix A
- Appendix B
- Bibliography
21 cm x 27,5 cm, Soft-Cover, 359 sites, many B/W pictures, some color pictures, text in english, by Ned Schwing.
| Author: | Ned Schwing |
| Language: | English |
