Eightbore, I noted (several times, in fact) that not all model 21s have had, or will have, a loose lug. And, that they can be repaired, and the repair is usually a one time deal.
Is that sarcasm?
I also noted John Olin was aware of the problem, and expect that one fine day we will read about the discovery of exactly when the cutoff date and serial numbers were of the guns that got updated techniques for assembly. There are enough Winchester guys studying whatever remains of the company that I believe it is bound to come out.
The Winchester single trigger as used on the 21 is noted for being difficult to adjust-by gunsmiths and those familiar with the trigger, not me. Just passing the facts along, bro. If you would like an example of an easy to adjust single trigger, I can think of two-the single trigger used on the Western Arms Long Range guns (quite simple, maybe not the most reliable) and the single trigger used on just about any Beretta O/U built since WWII-simple and reliable.
As you might be aware, folks are looking hard a a particular batch of K80s these days, as a few have had rather spectacular failures. Does that taint every K80, or Krieghoff ever built?
Of course not. Does anyone remember Phoenix steel and the Fabri debacle?
Some old doubles are junk, true enough, but, even some real tough ones clean up well, if you have enough money. If my Grandfather had owned a 21 and I now owned it (he didn't, I don't) I'd likely throw money at it making it right.
But, not 'cause it said Winchester on it. Newcomer Charlie missed out on the best of the model 21 arguments here on the board, and, I suspect, the very public failures of model 21s (there have, sadly, been 21 failures at more than one event, and, I mean that, since a failure of any of the old double guns is sad to me) have toned down the loudest supporters.
But, there was a time here, before there was a Vintagers, or a Flatwater, or, whatever, that was wild when the subject of the 21 came up.
Best,
Ted
