Post-War Winchester Model 42 Skeet 28″ Solid Rib .410 Pump Shotgun 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,150
WOA#: WY240227CP010
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 74021
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Gauge: .410, chambered for 3” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 42 – 410 – 3 IN. CHAM.” and “SKEET”. The top of the barrel to the left of the rib and top of the receiver each have a Winchester proof. The bottom of the receiver and barrel extension are each marked “74021”.
Barrel Length: 28”, Solid Rib
Choke: Skeet, Fixed
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored bead fixed to the front of the rib. The top of the rib and receiver are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with extended slide-handle, capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The slide handle shows light handling wear, some thinning finish, minor nicks and small scratches. The buttstock has been refinished, having some marks under the finish with a couple of notable dings in the right of the wrist. There is a small fill at the toe on the left. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some rough shaping around the edges, but otherwise shows minor wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with some minor operational wear. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most notable on the right of the barrel extension. The rib has no play to the barrel, but shows minor separation in some areas. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible with soft edges, shallow in some areas. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage post-war Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun manufactured in 1948. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin, the Model 12. This is a nice example with a 28″ Skeet choked solid rib barrel chambered for 3″ shells and with Skeet-grade checkered walnut stocks. The gun has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The gun is in Fine overall condition as refinished, having little sign of use since the new finish was applied. This would be a gun for clays or in the field as well as a nice addition to a Winchester collection. Good luck and happy bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
