Winchester Model 42 Pigeon Grade Engraved Vent-Rib Blue 28″ Pump Shotgun, MFD 1952 C&R .410 Bore

SOLD FOR: $3,975.00
LSB#: 190213SH02

Make: Winchester

Model: 42

Serial Number: 111757

Year of Manufacture: 1952

Gauge: Bore 410, 3” Chamber

Action Type: Pump Action with 2/3 Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHSTER – MODEL 42 – 410 – 3 IN. CHAM.- / -TRADE MARK – MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and “FULL”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are marked with an ovalled “WP” proof to the left of the rib and rib extension, respectively. The bottom of the receiver at the front and the bottom of the barrel extension are marked with the serial number. The bottom of the barrel extension at the front and the bottom of the magazine tube at the barrel extension have indexing arrows. The bottom of the barrel extension also has an engraving of a pigeon. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked “A”. The sides of the receiver have hunting scene and scroll engraving similar to that described as 42-5 pattern and photographed on page 83 of Schwing’s book “The Winchester Model 42”.

Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Full

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a red bead in a base mounted tot he front of the ventilated rib and a smaller silver-colored mid-bead. The top of the rib and rib extension are finely serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered select walnut with extended slide handle, straight comb, capped pistol grip and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition as possibly original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Nicely Restored, with re-struck proof marks. The work is so good, it appeared original until VERY close inspection.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a couple of light marks on the bottom forward of the magazine tube. The magazine tube and action bar have light operational wear. The receiver shows only light handling marks. The jeweled bolt and lifter have light operational wear. The markings are clear though one digit on the receiver’s serial number is double-struck. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a vintage post-war Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun with vent-rib barrel from 1952. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin the Model 12. This example has select walnut stocks with Deluxe Grade-style checkering and Pigeon Grade-style engraving. While the checkering and engraving patterns would be correct for a Pigeon Grade, there were only seven Pigeon Grade guns produced prior to WWII and there are no records for post-war guns but the only verified post-war Pigeon Grade guns identfied were produced between 1945 and 1950. That, coupled with the double-struck serial number and the barrel proof being quite deeply struck, perhaps re-struck, indicates that this shotgun is not a Pigeon Grade, but was rather made into a Pigeon Grade-style gun after leaving Winchester. It is possible that the gun was returned to Winchester for upgrade or that the work was performed by another group such as Pachmayr. This beautiful shotgun is sure to find a spot in a Winchester collection given its high condition, quality engraving and gorgeous walnut stocks. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California.

We were contacted by Andrew Eubanks of Eubanks gunsmithing informing us that the engraving, refinish, rib and wood were performed by their shop (hence “A” marking on the trigger guard). Thanks to Mr. Eubanks for letting us know and to his whole team for their beautiful work!