Winchester Model 42 Skeet, Solid Rib 28″ .410 Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1948

SOLD FOR: $3850

LSB#: 190930BS03

Make: Winchester

Model: 42 Skeet

Serial Number: 71266

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Gauge: .410 Bore, 2 1/2” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 42 – 410 – 2 1/2 IN. CHAM.” 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 “71266”. 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 checkered walnut with extended slide handle, black hard rubber Winchester capped pistol grip (old-style cap used 1946-1954), straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The forend has a few scattered minor compressions and light handling wear. The buttstock has several scattered light compressions, scratches and scuffs, most behind the grip, and one more notable compression in the right comb flute. There are no chips or cracks in the stocks. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a crack across the top mounting screw hole which extends to the edge at the heel with scattered light wear, heaviest at the heel and toe, with otherwise well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. The majority of the balance of the finish is in operational wear on the bottom-sides of the barrel from the slide handle, on the magazine tube, action bar, bolt and lifter. There are spots of light wear on the left of the barrel extension at the action bar and on the left-front of the receiver at the same place. There are similar spots of light wear on the top-right of the barrel extension and the right-front of the receiver. There is a spot of wear on the sideplate under the ejection port. There are a few other scattered light marks including light wear from disassembly on the barrel and magazine tube. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-plus condition.

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 Winchester Model 42 Skeet grade .410 bore pump action shotgun with solid rib barrel built in 1948. 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 stocks with capped pistol grip, and extended slide handle. The gun is in about Very Good-plus condition with operational wear in the metal, wear in the stocks consistent with use in the field, a great bore and strong mechanics. 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!

Winchester Model 42 Skeet, Solid Rib 28" .410 Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1948
Winchester Model 42 Skeet, Solid Rib 28″ .410 Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1948