Winchester Model 24s|Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

Ian-

I’ve always been drawn to the Model 24 and if I find one in the configuration and condition I like I hope to have the necessary jingle in my pocket to bring it home. I don’t think any of them get the respect they deserve but I’d prefer the 20 and 12 over the 16 as I want to shoot it and prefer my ammo the same as my women; cheap and available. Like any other collector Winchester condition is very important and with the limited interest it could be more important than with other models. Have you shot them? I’ve never handled one much.

Mike

Go to GOOGLE. Type in: “YouTube American Rifleman Winchester Model 24”. Neat video entitled “I Have This Old Gun”.

I was given a nice postwar Model 37 16 gauge and will say it was a cut above the other break-open single barrels. If a Model 24 was made along those lines, it would be a well-made double gun. Awkward looking, whereas the M37 is to me quite handsome. 

I don’t know how many of the Model 24  were made and that might affect the price. There were a fair number of Trojans built. The ones I’ve seen that I’d have were priced higher than a thousand, because of the Parker craze. Good solid guns, of course. 

For a good while, the real bargain was a Browning BSS in 12 gauge. I have a Sporter (oil finish, English stock, slender beavertail forearm) but the market had begun to recognize the quality and it set me back $1500 for a lightly used one in the original box. Still, it is a whole lot of side-by-side for that money. 

Ian,  the answer is brand name and, as always, demand. More buyers want a Model 21 than a Parker and vote with their pocketbooks. I don’t know the relative quantities produced during their respective lifetimes. To some degree, it may have to do with Connecticut Shotgun Company’s continued existence. Although anything but cheap, CSC will make parts and do repairs. Also, the Model 21 has a justifiable reputation for being robust and everything about a double shotgun is expensive to repair. 

In my quest for a Model 21, I quickly learned the price of a small bore was out of my league. Small bore used to mean 20 gauge and smaller.  Twenty years ago a 16 gauge could be had at a significant discount; you could buy one for less than a 12.  Now small bore means 16 gauge and smaller. 

The number of Model 21 guns produced, by gauge, tells the story. The overwhelming number produced in New Haven were 12 gauge guns. Relatively few 20 gauge guns were made and their price reflects that. 

The solution for the budget-minded Model 21 seeker is what the English sportsmen learned a long time ago: even 7/8 ounce of shot at about 950-1000 fs works just fine from a 7 pound 12 gauge upland game. I can shoot it all day in my Skeet Gun. Whereas 1 1/8 oz at 1350 -1400 fs is not fun. 

The difference between a high quality side-by-side 12 gauge and the same gun in 20 gauge is more than a few thousands of dollars. 

The BSS was a bargain in the Eighties. I bought a new 20 gauge IC/MOD back then and even the factory case to go with it, hunted doves and quail until I sold it in a moment of insanity. 

Later tried to replace it with a Pigeon Grade Model 23 but never liked it as well. That was my last side-by-side until I found a 99.9% Parker Reproduction DHE 20 gauge 2-barrel set but it has been the only piece I hesitate to shoot lest I mar its beauty. 

The 12 gauge BSS Sporter is as issued and even came with its beat up box, although the gun is pristine.  The price was right because it’s a 26″ M/F 12 gauge. I think it is a candidate for tubes and a solid red pad, frankly. 

Finally, the 1947 Skeet Gun 12 gauge, which has a little mild blue wear and an Old English pad. I don’t know how anybody could shoot serious Skeet with the checkered butt it once wore. A prior owner installed the pad. It really likes the AA Low Recoil stuff. 

That has been my double gun journey and I expect it wont go further.