121 Smooth bore questions PICS ADDED

[azarms]

I have a 121 smooth bore with pistol grip stock (with grip cap)and checkered wood (stock and forearm). Marked "SMOOTH BORE 22 SHORT, LONG, OR LONG RIFLE". Rates 95 % condition. I believe this is a fairly rare rifle - can anyone advise where I might find more information and a value on it? I've never seen any mention of a deluxe model. I'm 99% sure this is factory and all original. It comes from a collection of rare and beautiful Winchesters and Remingtons, and I was told it may have been a prototype model - looks like a 1939 date code.

[remington600]

121s did come in differant grades. What about it makes you think it maybe a prototype? Smoothbore 121s that you see for sale now are ussually averaging about 1000.00 to 1200.00 dallors. But sad to say for us both they are not flying off the shelf either. I think realisticly they are selling between 850 to 950.in 95% or better condition. The checkered wood will add a little bit more attraction and value, but I would not consider it rare. I had a checkered wood MO-SKEETO bore one that I sold a while back to buy a checkerd 12. Send a picture in. I would like to see it.

[John Gyde]

Remington started with the slide action smooth bores in 1935 with the Model 12. I have two 121 SBs made in 1939. I doubt very much that yours is a prototype. Checkering was an option on the M/121, but nearly all the checkering I have seen on the "A" (lowest level, but probably 99% of the production) grade was done post factory. No records have been found at the factory on features on individual guns.

[remington600]

My 121 i feel 99.99999999999% was definatly factory. I do believe there are a lot of do it yourself checkering jobs out there though. There is a LOT of people out there that just can not leave them alone. A little this and that and the gun gun automatically becomes custom. If people would just realize their gun was probably worth more before they free floated the barrel or checkered there stock, or put gold paint in the lettering on the barrel and action. I am not assuming your 121 is that way. Im just standing on my soapbox. Post some pictures though. Would like to see it.

[azarms]

Here are some pics - would like your comments!

[remington600]

I dont believe the checkering on your 121 is factory, and I believe the stock has been stripped and refinished. Are there any numbers stamped near the barrel code on the side of the barrel? There really would be no reason for this to be a prototype.

[John Gyde]

The checkering on the stock does not appear to be factory quality, but looks to be better than many after-market jobs. The forearm is a bit of a mystery. It doesn't look like the finger grooves have been sanded off, but the checkering again does not look like factory work. The color of the wood as it appears in the photo is not the same as any of my 121s.

[remington600]

The double stamping of smoothbore and the 22 short, long and longrifle throws up a red flag as well. The gun obviously left the factory originally a 22 short, long and long rifle.

[John Gyde]

[quote="remington600"]The double stamping of smoothbore and the 22 short, long and longrifle throws up a red flag as well. The gun obviously left the factory originally a 22 short, long and long rifle.[/quote]
I didn't notice that. You're right!