Winchester Model 42 Skeet, Solid Rib 28″ .410 Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1953
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210120GO02
Make: Winchester
Model: 42 Skeet
Serial Number: 125344
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Gauge: .410 Bore, 2 1/2” & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 42 – 410 – 3 IN. CHAM.- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, ” and “SKEET”. The top of the barrel is marked with the “WP” proof mark to the left of the rib and this same mark is on the top of the receiver. The bottom of the receiver extension and receiver are both marked “125344”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks.
Barrel Length: 28”, Solid Rib
Choke: Skeet, fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the receiver has a flat, serrated groove for an aiming plane. The top of the rib is finely serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with checkered extended slide handle, smooth pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The forend has a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a more notable ding at the top-front on the left side. The buttstock has a few scattered light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks in the stocks. The LOP measures 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly around the edges, with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition as refinished and/or not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a bulge about 1 1/2″ from the muzzle, visible on the exterior of the barrel.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges, most notable on the edges of the receiver. There is some scattered light finish wear, mostly in handling areas, and the action shows operational wear. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some stubborn residue at the rear edge of the receiver, likely from the stock’s finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good condition and would rate Very Good but for the bulge in the bore.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. There is a bulge in the bore about 1 1/2″ from the muzzle. 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 Winchester Model 42 Skeet grade .410 bore pump action shotgun with solid rib barrel built in 1953. While Skeet grade guns were offered with a number of different field chokes prior to WWII, all post-war Skeet guns were choked Skeet. In addition to the Skeet choke, this gun has a solid rib, checkered slide handle and smooth pistol grip. The gun is in about Good condition with operational and handling wear in the metal, light wear in the stocks and strong mechanics. This shotgun would easily rate Very Good, but does have a bulge in the bore about 1 1/2″ from the muzzle. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin the Model 12. This shotgun is sure to find a spot with a shooter who can appreciate a quality vintage Winchester as a shooter or with a collector who needs a 42 Skeet in their safe alongside their Model 12s and ’97s. Please see our photos and good luck!