For a beginning engraver I'd not recommend an original Winchester 21 only in that the metal can be one of the most unforgiving and frustrating creations to work on. You may however develop some fantastic tool sharpening skills by the time you are done. I'd recommend an older gun that was originally casehardened that can now be annealed so a nice soft steel is presented and the engraver can concentrate on his work. Any of the box lock guns,,Fox, Ithaca (NID or Flues), Lefever N/Special, etc. They are all decent guns with similar action shapes. If you are going to get into action reshaping, stocking and other custom work, then most any gun is acceptable, but to keep it affordable as a project for a beginning engraver, I'd choose one of those. Stick with something that has good barrels and mechanics to start with to avoid it becoming a money pit instead of just an engraving project.
