Winchester Model 42 G4203S? 26″ CYL .410 Takedown Pump Shotgun, 1956 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 220106TB031

Make: Winchester

Model: 42, Catalog No. G4203S

Serial Number: 142001

Year of Manufacture: 1956

Gauge: .410, chambered for 3” Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown

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 – 3 IN. CHAM.-” and “CYL”. The bottom-rear of the barrel is marked “50”. 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 “142001”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored bead fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a sighting plane on the top of the receiver which is grooved for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with post-war flat-bottom flat-backed grooved slide handle, post-war pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and black rubber Kick-Eez buttpad mounted with black spacers. The slide handle has thinning finish from handling wear, a ding in the bottom toward the front, a grain-line crack in the bottom toward the rear which has been filled and does not extend to any edges and a few other scattered minor marks. The buttstock has a few scattered minor marks, a couple of more notable nicks toward the rear on the left and one more notable vertical scratch on the right above the belly. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood, indicating that the stock has been cut. The pad has minor wear and is still supple. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-plus condition as modified.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The finish appears Original to the parts. It is possible that the barrel is not original to the gun (see Our Assessment).

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish loss is on the bottom of the trigger guard, magazine tube and barrel extension, with each area showing finish loss which appears to be from scrubbing out oxidation and minor erosion. The action shows operational wear including wear on the bottom of the barrel from disassembly/reassembly. There are a few other scattered minor marks and infrequent spots of minor oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.

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 1956. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin, the Model 12. This example is something of a mystery. It has a 26? Cylinder Bore barrel chambered for 3″ shells and without any rib. This would make it the Winchester Catalog No. G4203S, a model which was discontinued in 1951. The barrel has the year marking “50” on it, and its roll-mark is consistent with being made in 1950, so what is it doing on a 1956 receiver? While it is possible that the barrel was replaced outside the factory, Winchester was famous for sometimes having parts that lay ready for assembly for years, with new production inventory being stored on top of it, and the assemblers never quite getting to the bottom of that parts bin until years had passed. It is certainly possible that this shotgun was ordered in 1956 in the old G4203S configuration, and this barrel was still there at the factory waiting to be assembled. In any case, the gun is in Very Good condition, showing honest wear consistent with use, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. Given that the stock has been cut, this would be a great starter gun for the young shotgunner in your life, able to be adjusted for them as they grow into a full-size gun. Good luck and happy bidding!

Winchester Model 42 G4203S? 26" CYL .410 Takedown Pump Shotgun, 1956 C&R
Winchester Model 42 G4203S? 26″ CYL .410 Takedown Pump Shotgun, 1956 C&R