1st Year Winchester Model 42 .410 Bore 28″ MOD Pump Action Shotgun 1933 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,450.00

LSB#: LSB251103DH008

Make: Winchester

Model: 42 (1st Model Year)

Serial Number: 8918

Year of Manufacture: 1933 / C&R 

Gauge: .410 Bore, 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 “8918”. The receiver extension and the magazine tube have indexing arrows.

Barrel Length: 28”

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 18-grooved pump grip, semi-pistol grip, fluted comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There are multiple dings and compression marks on the buttstock.  There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has defined checkering. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There is no erosion in the bore but there is plastic fouling near the muzzle.  In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. There are minor nicks, dings and scratches throughout.  There is minor freckled pitting beginning on the receiver. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good condition.

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 occupies a singular place in American shotgun history as the first pump-action shotgun engineered specifically around the .410 bore rather than scaled down from a larger gauge design. Introduced in 1933, the Model 42 drew heavily from the proven mechanics and handling of the Model 12, translating that smooth, reliable pump action into a lightweight, purpose-built smallbore platform. From its debut, the Model 42 appealed to upland hunters and sporting shooters who valued refinement, balance, and precision in a compact shotgun.

This example dates to the first year of production in 1933, a detail that adds meaningful historical interest for collectors of early Winchester sporting arms. It is fitted with a 28-inch barrel and a fixed Full choke, a configuration well suited to longer-range small-game and clay target use. The shotgun retains approximately 60 percent of its original blued finish, with honest wear visible in the form of light nicks, scratches, and the beginning of freckled pitting on the receiver. The walnut stocks remain solid and uncracked, showing typical dings and compression marks from decades of handling, while still presenting well overall.

The bore is bright and shiny with no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, with only light plastic fouling near the muzzle. Mechanically, the action functions smoothly and correctly, retaining the slam-fire capability characteristic of early Winchester pump designs. As a first-year Model 42, this shotgun represents the very beginning of one of Winchester’s most refined and collectible smallbore pump guns, offering both historical significance and classic prewar craftsmanship. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF