1st Year Winchester Model 42 .410 Bore 26″ Pump Action Shotgun 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260122PB006
Make: Winchester
Model: 42 (1st Model Year)
Serial Number: 3051
Year of Manufacture: 1933 / C&R
Gauge: .410 Bore, 2 1/2″ or 3″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “– WINCHESTER PROOF/ STEEL-“–MODEL 42–”-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-” “.410–3 IN.” “FULL” The top of the barrel is marked with the “WP” proof mark at the top-rear of the barrel and the top-front of the receiver. The bottom of the receiver extension and receiver are both marked with the serial number “3051”. The receiver extension and the magazine tube have indexing arrows.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Fixed, FULL
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with an 14-grooved pump grip, semi-pistol grip, fluted comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents. Some of the damage has been finished over. The forend has a repaired crack down the middle. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its current finish. Some of the markings have been blurred. The edges have been softened. There is pitting that has been blued over. There are scratches and light corrosion freckles. There is handling and operational wear. The screw heads have been lightly tooled but are serviceable. The markings are softened. Overall this shotgun is in Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. 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: The Winchester Model 42, introduced in 1933, was Winchester’s answer to the growing popularity of the .410 bore and remains one of the most refined small-bore pump shotguns ever produced. Designed as a scaled-down companion to the Model 12, the Model 42 quickly earned a reputation for smooth operation, quality craftsmanship, and excellent handling. As a first-year production example, this shotgun represents the earliest iteration of the model, a period that holds particular interest for collectors due to limited production and its place at the beginning of the Model 42 lineage.
This example has been refinished and now retains approximately 97% of its current blue, though evidence of polishing is present, including softened edges, blurred markings, and pitting that has been finished over. The walnut stocks have also been refinished and show scratches, compression dents, and areas where wear has been sealed beneath the finish. The forend has a repaired crack along its length, and overall the wood rates in Good condition as refinished. The bore is bright and shiny with sharp rifling and only light fouling, rating 9 out of 10, indicating strong internal condition. The shotgun retains its classic 26″ barrel with fixed Full choke and traditional bead sight.
Mechanically, the shotgun functions correctly with the smooth cycling expected of the Model 42 and retains its original slam-fire capability, a hallmark of early Winchester pump designs. While the refinished condition impacts originality, the shotgun remains a solid and functional example of a first-year Model 42 with early production features such as matching serials and indexing arrows. This piece offers a tangible connection to the introduction of one of Winchester’s most iconic small-bore shotguns. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF