Winchester Model 21 Skeet 12 Gauge 26 Inch Side by Side Shotgun, Manufactured 1938

Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,746.00

The Winchester Model 21 stands among the finest American side by side shotguns ever produced. Introduced during the golden age of American sporting arms, it was Winchester’s flagship double gun, built to compete directly with the best offerings from Parker, A.H. Fox, L.C. Smith, and Ithaca. This 1938 Skeet Grade example features desirable 26 inch barrels choked Skeet 1 in both barrels, excellent mechanical condition, and its original Winchester luggage case, making it an outstanding collectible as well as a practical sporting shotgun.

Identification

MMA#: 260402GP010

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 21 Skeet

Serial Number: 13715

Year of Manufacture: 1938

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2¾ Inch Shells

Action Type: Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors

Barrel Length: 26 Inches

Sights / Optics

The shotgun is fitted with a white front bead and a smaller mid rib alignment bead. The solid rib is serrated to reduce glare and provide a clean sight picture during fast target acquisition.

Choke

Both barrels are fitted with fixed Winchester Skeet 1 chokes.

Stock Configuration & Condition

The stocks are select checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and black Pachmayr Old English recoil pad.

The wood exhibits honest field use with scattered handling marks, light scuffs, draglines, and a few small nicks. A light scratch is present on the right side of the buttstock. The forend has mild play to the barrel set along with a small compression and interruption in portions of the checkering. The checkering remains generally sharp throughout.

Measurements include:

• Length of Pull: 14¼ inches to the recoil pad (13¼ inches to the wood)

• Drop at Comb: Approximately 1½ inches

• Drop at Heel: Approximately 2 inches

Overall stock condition: Fine.

Finish & Overall Condition

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

The shotgun retains approximately 96 percent of its original finish. The receiver has developed an attractive plum hue while the barrels are beginning to mellow toward a rich dark patina. Light handling marks, thinning on the receiver edges and trigger guard, and minor contact wear around the forend are present. The markings remain crisp and legible.

Overall condition: Fine.

Bore & Mechanics

Bore Condition: Both bores are bright with no erosion. In the original evaluator’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly with properly operating ejectors. The barrels lock tightly to the receiver with no detectable play. The safety no longer resets automatically when the action is opened but functions correctly when engaged manually. The shotgun was not test fired.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories

Included is the original tan Winchester luggage case featuring a Winchester brass plaque on the interior divider. The case includes fitted compartments for the barrel set, receiver, forend, and accessories. The exterior shows light storage wear while the fleece-lined interior remains clean, though portions of the felt on the foam pads would benefit from replacement.

Our Assessment

Few American sporting shotguns have achieved the legendary reputation of the Winchester Model 21. Introduced in 1930, the Model 21 was Winchester’s answer to the finest handcrafted doubles of the era, built with strength, longevity, and precision that quickly established it as one of the premier side by side shotguns ever produced. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the Model 21 utilized an exceptionally robust action capable of handling heavy use while maintaining tight lockup, earning it a reputation that still endures among collectors and shooters today.

The Skeet Grade represented one of the most desirable sporting configurations, purpose built for the rapidly growing sport of skeet shooting. Its 26 inch barrels and Winchester Skeet 1 chokes provide fast handling characteristics ideal for crossing targets while remaining equally at home on upland birds.

Manufactured in 1938, this example displays the honest wear expected from a well cared for sporting shotgun rather than excessive abuse. The original finish remains remarkably strong at approximately 96 percent, the bores are outstanding, and the action locks tightly with excellent mechanical integrity. The included Winchester luggage case further enhances its desirability and collectibility.

For collectors of classic American doubles, the Winchester Model 21 represents the pinnacle of Winchester’s shotgun craftsmanship. Whether preserved as part of a fine sporting arms collection or carried afield for another generation, this Skeet Grade Model 21 remains a beautiful example of one of America’s greatest side by side shotguns.

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Every firearm featured in the Mt. McCoy Auctions Vault is professionally photographed, carefully cataloged, and thoroughly documented to preserve its historical significance. Our detailed archival records provide collectors with accurate information regarding originality, condition, mechanical function, and historical context, creating a lasting resource long after each auction has concluded.