I’m considering a Winchester 24 in 16ga, with 26” barrels. I’ve read plenty about the 24’s being a poor handling SxS, but am wondering in comparison to what? I’ve owned some “nice” SxS’s, but find the English grip/splinter forend is not for me and that light/dainty guns, while beautiful and I appreciate them very much, are not meant for my 6’4” frame and catcher’s mitt hands. I have become a huge fan of the Browning BSS and find they suit me well. With that in mind, how does the m24 stack up? In terms of quality, are the 24’s a solid gun?

Thanks!

I actually thought the 3-4 I’ve shot handled pretty darn well. Not overwhelming on the looks scale, but that comes well after how they work. Just fine is my opinion.

My buddy had one (16 ga/ 26"). We took it to the skeet range for some informal target shooting and it was unbelievably effective. We hit almost everything that we shot at! They might not win any beauty contests but we were pleasantly surprised...

They are very strong and handle o.k. IMO they are near the top of the list in the homely looking category but others don't seem to mind that about them. They work without any known weaknesses.

I’ve heard them described as two Model 37s welded together

LOL. Looking at the photos, I can see that. I’ve never handled one, but thinking if I’m going to give one a try, it might as well be a 16ga.

I have one in 12 gauge. It seems more suitable for clays than hunting.

Here is a clean one in 12 gauge for $800.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/892591206