Harrington & Richardson Model 121 20 Gauge Bolt-Action Shotgun, Early 1940s, 26 Inch Plain Barrel, Fixed Full Choke
This H&R Model 121 is a 20 gauge bolt-action repeating shotgun produced during the early 1940s, noted for its short production window and Worcester, Massachusetts "Arms Co." rollmark. It features a 26-inch plain barrel with a fixed full choke, top ejection, and a bright-finished bolt. The under-barrel tubular magazine, brass bead front sight, and straightforward hardwood stock complete a configuration that is both distinctive and collectible.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: There is some pitting and finish wear on the metal surfaces. The hardwood stock shows a few scuffs and gouges.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Model 121 20 Gauge bolt-action shotgun with installed ventilated rubber recoil pad
The Model 121 is a bolt-action repeating shotgun with an under-barrel tubular magazine and top ejection, a configuration that sets it apart among 20 gauge field guns of its era. Dual opposed extractors and a round bolt knob support smooth cycling and positive extraction, while a barrel/magazine band adds a classic, utilitarian touch.
The 26-inch plain barrel (no rib) is paired with a fixed full choke, offering a tight pattern suitable for longer-range shot work. It uses a 2 3/4 inch chamber and feeds from a 5-round tubular magazine. A single brass bead front sight provides a clear, simple aiming reference; there is no rear sight.
Metalwork shows the barrel and much of the receiver in-the-white/stripped with only traces of the original blue remaining, paired with a contrasting bright-finished bolt. The top of the receiver carries the Worcester, Massachusetts "Arms Co." rollmark, tying the piece to H&R’s period production.
The hardwood stock is uncheckered with a pistol-grip wrist and a long forend, providing a straightforward, durable handling profile. Length of pull measures 14.0 inches, aided by a ventilated rubber recoil pad that has been installed as a customization.
Produced in the early 1940s with a short manufacturing run, this U.S.-made Model 121 is also cross-referenced in design lineage to the Sears J.C. Higgins 583-series models. The combination of limited-era production, bolt-action operation, and fixed full choke makes it an appealing piece for collectors and H&R enthusiasts.