Winchester 42 Skeet Grade G257S Post-War Solid Rib Blue 26″ Pump/Slide Action Shotgun, 1947 .410 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,875.00
LSB#: 180918JR30

Make: Winchester

Model: Skeet Grade 42, Catalog No. G4257S

Serial Number: 59246

Year of Manufacture: 1947

Gauge: Bore 410, 2 1/2” Shells

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”, “-MODEL 42”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “.410 2 1/2 CHAM.”, “SKEET” and with an ovalled “WP” proof next to the solid rib. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO- / NEW HAVEN, CONN. – U.S.A. PAT. NO. 1912403-1969255”. The bottom-right of the barrel, just above the magazine tube is marked “2 1/2 CHAM. 40” (40 is a date code for the production of the barrel, however barrels would often spend some time, even several years waiting to be assembled to a gun per Schwing). The top of the receiver at the front has an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver at the front and the bottom of the barrel extension are each marked “59246”. The bottom of the receiver behind the trigger guard is marked “S”. The bottom of the barrel extension has an indexing arrow, the magazine tube’s indexing arrow is present, but currently on the right side.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Skeet

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead in a base fixed to the front of the solid rib. The top of the rib and receiver are finely serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a long slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Bishop buttplate. The forend has a couple of light scratches on the bottom toward the front and a light drag-line on the bottom toward the rear, tiny losses along the top edge on each side at the corner where the rear of the slide handle opens up to clear the receiver, with some light handling marks. The buttstock has a small, shallow bruise on the left just behind the comb flute, a few compressions on the toe-line and some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The buttplate has no notable wear or damage with sharp checkering and lettering, in about Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as likely not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The barrel has only a few scattered light marks, the rib has a light nick on the right edge approximately 4″ from the receiver. The bottom of the barrel toward the rear, concealed by the magazine tube, shows a slight brown-color to the finish. The magazine tube shows light operational wear as does the very forward portion of the barrel extension near the indexing arrow. The receiver has a few scattered light marks, the most notable a nick on the sideplate above the trigger guard. The jeweled bolt and lifter show light operational wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with the magazine tube bracket’s screw head lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear with slightly soft edges. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a vintage post-war Winchester Model 42 skeet grade .410 bore pump action shotgun with solid rib from 1947. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin the Model 12. The skeet grade was the only grade offered chambered for the shorter 2 1/2″ chamber and was a desirable gun for skeet shooters then and still is today. This example has been beautifully refinished and likely re-stocked. It is in Fine condition with wear consistent with light use, a great bore and strong mechanics. It comes from the post-war period as Winchester was getting back to producing their normal line of commercial firearms after switching much of their production to military arms and equipment during WWII and even has a barrel which was produced in 1940! This shotgun is sure to find a spot in a Winchester collection given its beautiful appearance and the scarcity of skeet grade guns. 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.