Winchester's Finest, the Model 21 [Hardcover]

Ned Schwing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1991

Get the most complete guide to the finest double-barrel side-by-side shotgun made in America. The Olin Corporation designated this book by Ned Schwing "the official history of the Model 21 Shotgun."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 1st edition (February 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873411579
• ISBN-13: 978-0873411578
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,476,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definitive work on the finest shotgun ever made, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Winchester's Finest, the Model 21 (Hardcover)

Winchester's Model 21 has generated more then its fair share of controversy since it first came out in 1931. There were those who considered it the finest side by ever made. They based this up the superiority of the design and strength of the steel used. Then again, there were those who couldn't stand it. They said it was too heavy and was over priced. Be that as it may, it has made its mark on the shooting public. It was the closing chapter in a long list of great American shotguns; Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Ithacas, etc. The author has compiled a book that traces its history through its development and early years to when it was production line mode and finally to when it was relegated to the custom shop. If it hadn't been for John Olin it would have been dropped altogether in late 1959, instead of being made into a custom gun. Nothing is left to chance. The chapter on the custom made 21s is especially well done, as it goes into great detail regarding the differences between the various grades. I was impressed with the photographs of the engraving. Winchester's engravers were some of the best in the business. I wish there had been a chapter explaining the building of one of these guns from start to finish, with photographs included. It would give the reader a better appreciation. Overall, this is a very well written book that should be in the library of those who appreciate fine shotguns.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The definitive history on the finest shotgun ever made, August 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Winchester's Finest, the Model 21 (Hardcover)

Winchester's Model 21 was the last in a long series of side by double barrel shotguns to be built in this country Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, just to name a few that preceded it. It came out during the midst of the Great Depression and when Winchester was about ready to go bankrupt. A very inauspicious time to bring out what would be the finest and most strongest shotgun ever made. Here was the modern double barrel shotgun that was made with superior steel and design, that could withstand maximum proof loads that would cause any other gun to fail. The Model 21 made its reputation based upon its strength in the duck blind, going after upland game, or even on the trap and skeet line. It lived up to its reputation. Incidentially, it was one of John M. Olin's favorites. He was the one who kept it going on a custome made basis, after it had been discontinued. The authors have gone to great length researching the history and development of the gun. They start off with the earliest models, which sported double triggers and a splinter forearm to the custom model which were made starting in 1960 up until the late 1980s when USRAC stopped making them. Nothing has been left to chance and the photographs of the engraving and stockwork, while very well done, unfortunately, does not come close to the book on the Browning Superposed. Still, this is a book to buy for those who, either, own one or like to entertain hopes of buying a used one. Be forewarned, that while they are available, they are rather expensive. One closing item and that is the gentleman who is making the Fox side by, Tony Galazan, bought up all of the parts for the 21, along with tools. He is prepared to either repair Model 21s and even make them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definitive work on the finest shotgun ever made, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Winchester's Finest, the Model 21 (Hardcover)

Winchester's Model 21 has generated more then its fair share of controversy since it first came out in 1931. There were those who considered it the finest side by ever made. They based this up the superiority of the design and strength of the steel used. Then again, there were those who couldn't stand it. They said it was too heavy and was over priced. Be that as it may, it has made its mark on the shooting public. It was the closing chapter in a long list of great American shotguns; Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Ithacas, etc. The author has compiled a book that traces its history through its development and early years to when it was production line mode and finally to when it was relegated to the custom shop. If it hadn't been for John Olin it would have been dropped altogether in late 1959, instead of being made into a custom gun. Nothing is left to chance. The chapter on the custom made 21s is especially well done, as it goes into great detail regarding the differences between the various grades. I was impressed with the photographs of the engraving. Winchester's engravers were some of the best in the business. I wish there had been a chapter explaining the building of one of these guns from start to finish, with photographs included. It would give the reader a better appreciation. Overall, this is a very well written book that should be in the library of those who appreciate fine shotguns.