Model 21 20-Gauge, 3-Inch Magnum
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#9,622
Model 21 20-Gauge, 3-Inch Magnum
The Model 21 20-gauge, #9,622 was special ordered in 1948
Though ordered with Skeet Chokes #9,622 is not a 'Skeet Grade' gun.
is one of only two Winchester Shotguns to introduce a new shotshell, the other is the Model 42 with the 3-inch .410 shell. Winchester and Western executives experimented with the 3-inch 20 gauge for several years before deciding to offer the new shell in the Model 21. Jack O'Connor and Warren Page made several references to Winchester's early experiments in articles in Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and The Gun Digest. During the expiremental period and despite what was published in their catalogs, Winchester would build 20-gauge 3-inch guns for special customers. Number #9,622 with it's 30" Modified and Full barrels and #26,966 is another. The factory records indicate that this gun was built for the Seven years BEFORE Winchester offered the 20 gauge 3-inch magnum to the general public.
#9,622 with 26" WS-1/WS-2 fitted, 30" Mod/Full below orginal Winchester
Case
insert photo of barrel markings of #9622
click the photo for a close-up
Then simply re-chambered to 3-inch and therefore isn't a custom gun built to order. But notice the position of the '21' on #26,966 and compare it to #27,396, the barrel marking begins on the former are farther foreward of the barrel flat. The the roll die for #26,966 is a modified die for early '50's 2-3/4" chamber die. The die for #27,396 was engraved during the 3-inch production period and begins at the same position on the barrel as the standard 2-3/4" chamber die.
Also, the model number on the 'Final Inspection Report' is 2100B, the code for all special order Model 21's, no mention is made that the gun was pulled from stock as was Duck Gun #30,136. To further support my custom built to order contention is the fact that only the 30" F/F barrels were assigned a regular catalog number, #2123B, all other 3-inch magnum 20-gauges were made for special order only. In any event, this variation is one of the rarest Model 21's. I put the figure at less than 20, see: 20 Gauge 3-Inch Magnum Est. Production.
©2009, M.C. Manges
