CSMC Model 21 Over & Under Information
In 1996, Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company purchased the Model 21 division from U.S. Repeating Arms Company and with it, received all the tools, fixtures, and processes to build this gun. Our Model 21 Over & Under, as with all of our guns, are manufactured in their entirety in New Britain, CT.
On occasion, some smaller parts or initial machining operations will be sub-contracted if we are over capacity, in an effort to deliver products on time. We do not assemble parts that we procure and we also machine virtually everything ourselves. These firearms are designed, machined, assembled and finished in our own facility.
The Model 21 Over & Under uses the same machines, tooling, methods and finishes as the Model 21 Side by Side. It also has an identical feel, balance, and look as the Side by Side. Our Model 21 Over & Under was designed many years ago, but we chose never to build it. It is something we had planned for a long time and felt that it would be well received by our shooters and group of customers. One of the main reasons we are able to manufacture this gun is our vast expertise in producing shotguns. We are also able to operate more efficiently due to us being a small company without bureaucratic layers of personnel.
Our engraving and checkering layouts are performed by our proprietary process. The layout drawing is very time consuming, but by doing this we allow our craftsman to devote their time to the actual work, producing a better end result. Since the actual finish work is performed by hand, you will notice the Model 21’s are all slightly different. It is indistinguishable from a complete hand engraving or checkering. We use a team of people that do the checkering as well as the engraving.
Our trademark Tuff Bore system allows you to shoot any type of shot through our guns. This is very important when you consider that most double guns are not able to handle double shot and this includes most barrels that are side by side.
We believe our Model 21 Over & Under shotguns are a great investor value. These guns are built strong and will provide a lifetime of service. If you were to look at our customer base, you would find many of our customers select Connecticut Shotgun guns because of their dimensions, refined handling styles, and they tell us they shoot better and enjoy them more than any other gun.
Correspondence from John M. Olin to Edwin Pugsley
This fascinating letter provides a timely perspective on the world gun market in the mid-1930s. It discusses early problems with the Model 21s forearm design and John Olin's desire to produce an over & under shotgun.
Click on each photo to view a dedicated gallery showcasing more images of each model.
Manufactured in our facility in New Britain, CT to the highest standard. This is the over-and-under version of our currently available Model 21 SxS. We build this gun using all the same machining, tooling, techniques, finishes, and the original process. The Model 21 O/U is a very low profile, shallow frame, very similar in feel to the SxS Model 21. They are virtually the same height and weight that made the Model 21 famous.
Magnificently engraved with hunting dogs, game birds, and intricate English scroll. The breeches and scenes are executed in a relief style 'AAA' (4x) fancy American walnut with gold oval. 'A' style checkering on stock and forend. A truly special shotgun. An Exhibition wood upgrade is available.
The Grand American is the highest degree of workmanship available. Wood is Exhibition full fancy feathercrotch American Walnut with gold oval. Magnificently executed scroll engraving with solid gold inlaid dogs (customer can specify the dogs) and birds in the panel scene. 'B' Carved stock and forend. Unsurpassed quality, a stunning example of the gunmakers art.
Model 21 Over & Under Features
| Model 21 Over & Under Models | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | $3,995.00 |
| 21-6 Pigeon | $7,500.00 |
| Grand American | $12,500.00 |
Model 21 Over & Under Standard Features
| Tear Drop Blued Frame |
| 20ga with 3" Chambers |
| Choice of Barrel Length: 26" - 32" with 5 Choke Tubes |
| Ventilated Ribs |
| Red Front Bead |
| American Walnut |
| Straight Grip or Pistol Grip |
| Winchester Recoil Pad |
| Automatic Safety |
| Gold Plated Single Selective Trigger |
| Automatic Ejector |
| Steel Shot Compatible |
| Stock Dimensions: 14 3/8" LOP, 1 3/8" Drop At Comb, 2 1/2" Drop At Heel |
| Weight Approx.: 6 lbs. 5 oz. with 28" Barrels |
Standard Grade Additional Features
| 'A' Fancy (2x) American Walnut |
| Standard Multi-Point Checkering |
Wood Upgrades Available
| Upgrade | Price |
|---|---|
| 'AA' Fancy (3x) | $350.00 |
| 'AAA' Fancy (4x) | $600.00 |
| Exhibition | $900.00 |