Winchester Model 24 double barreled shotgun:
The Winchester Model 24
The Model 24 double-barrel Winchester shotgun was introduced in 1939, just prior to the U.S. entering World War II. Only about 116,000 of them were manufactured before it was discontinued from the Winchester line in the late 1950s. This side-by-side shotgun stayed in production until 1958. The Model 24 was intended to compete with the likes of the Stevens 311 and Savage/Fox Model B as an affordable, utility side-by-side. It was reasonably successful in the market place and a total of over 116,200 were manufactured.
The Model 24 is a true hammerless gun, as opposed to having concealed hammers like most double guns, since it is striker fired. It was produced only as a field grade gun with blued receiver and barrels, wide 7/16" raised solid rib, uncheckered black walnut stock with lacquer finish, semi-pistol grip (a straight hand stock could be ordered), double triggers, and spring powered extractors that elevated the shells when the gun was opened. Available gauges were 12, 16, and 20, with 12 gauge being the most common.
Barrel lengths of 26", 28" and 30" were offered in 12 gauge, while 16 and 20 gauge guns could be had with 26" or 28" barrels with 2-3/4" chambers and bored to Mod./Full, which is typical of guns with 28" and 30" barrels. 26" barrels were choked IC/Mod.
The forged steel receiver body of the Model 24 is rounded and the Model 24 is very broad across the action body. The barrel breeches of most double guns are considerably wider than (and overhang) the sides of the receiver, but the receiver of the Model 24 is actually slightly wider than, and encloses the lower half of, the barrels. This gives the gun a decidedly unusual appearance.
