I have agreed to purchase a model 21 barrel in 12 ga that is rifled.I have inspected it and will have it in my hands later this week.Who knows,it may fit one of my 12 gage frames and I can shoot with it.
I believe I know an excellent gunsmith in your area who can fit those barrels to your gun!
Is that straight rifling? I am not familiar with it as offered on a mod. 21...
Around 1935 Winchester attempted to make a double barrel rifle using a Model 21. They inserted a set Model 1895 barrels that were chambered for .405 WCF inside of a set of 20 gauge barrels. They encountered problems with regulating the barrels to where the shots would impact within three to four inches at a certain range. I remember seeing it at the museum in New Haven in 1971. It had double triggers, splinter forearm, and nice wood.
Any way, the barrels are now mine.Brought them home and tried them on a 12 ga. Skeet.Sloppy fit. However, I have lots of bolts and could fit them. Then tried them on a flat side 1943 which has 30 and 28 barrels(factory letter) and they fit. A little tight.Next, off to the range with slugs for groups at 25,50, and 100. If all works out, I will have a M-21 double rifle. 12 ga of course.
Are these factory barrels, what chamber length, how long are the barrels, what type of sights, pictures and a host of other questions.-Dick
Factory 26 inch, 2 3/4 chambers (which measure 1/16 less as is usual,)standard rib,small silver front bead.Wall thickness starting at breech and proceeding at 2 1nch intervals:
Right .185,.120,.100,.076,.050,.042,.037,.035,.035,.035,.034,.032,.030,.035
Left .185,.120,.094,.065,.049,.040,.039,.035,.035,.035,.035,.035,.030,.037
10 lands;10 grooves right twist about 3/4 turn in length of barrel.
Usual Winchester markings;was choked:R imp-cyl;L mod
Shot it off hand 4 shots 25 yd 1&1/2 inch .Will shoot at 50;100
Does it look to you like someone rifled a standard barrel? As a skilled gunsmith, do you think such a job is within the skill level of the average rifle barrel guy? Who do you think can do a job like that?
I do not for certain know.The best news will be a Cody letter saying that Winchester did it.Next if I will find the rest of the gun.Worst case is I have a 3 barrel M-21.The skill level is high because of the barrel walls which as above are .030 and the rifling is shallow, but very uniform.
What happens to the rifling in the choke area? Has the choke been removed? If not, is the rifling cut deeper in the chokes?
No chokes,the barrels measure .732 from the forcing cones to the
very end.The rifling appears to be the same as viewed either way.I am not able to measure the depth,but by comparing with shim stock, will say .003 at most.