Pre-War Winchester Model 42 26″ Modified .410 Pump Shotgun, 1934 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,515.15

LSB# LSB251115DJ004

Make: Winchester

Model: 42

Serial Number: 18811

Year of Manufacture: 1934

Gauge: Bore 410, 2 1/2″ and 3″ 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 – 3 IN.” and “MOD”, the right is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / – NEW HAVEN, CONN. – PATENTS PENDING -“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver extension and receiver are both marked “18811”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks.

Barrel Length: 26″

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a bead at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with a pre-war grooved “corn-cob” slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents and handling wear throughout. There are a few small chips. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There are some fouling streaks down the length. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are scattered scratches, handling wear, and light corrosion freckling throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good to Very Good 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: The pre war Winchester Model 42 holds a special place in American shotgun history as the only pump action .410 ever produced by Winchester. Introduced in 1933 as a scaled down companion to the Model 12, the Model 42 quickly became the standard by which .410 repeaters were judged. This 1934 example, serial number 18811, represents early production and retains its classic 26 inch barrel with fixed Modified choke, chambered for both 2 1/2 and 3 inch shells. The barrel markings are correct and complete, including “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL,” “MODEL 42,” and “410 – 3 IN. MOD,” with matching oval WP proofs on barrel and receiver and matching serial numbers on the receiver and extension.

This shotgun retains approximately 85 percent of its original blue finish, showing scattered scratches, handling wear, and light corrosion freckling consistent with responsible field use. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked but retain strong slots, and the markings remain clear and well defined. The two piece walnut stocks feature the distinctive pre war grooved corn cob slide handle, flat bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents, and a few small chips, but no cracks. The length of pull measures 13 7/8 inches. Overall, the wood rates Very Good. The bore is bright with some light fouling streaks and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion.

The .410 bore, long favored for small game and upland birds, demands deliberate shooting and rewards precision. In pump configuration, the Model 42 provided rapid follow up capability in a lightweight, well balanced platform. Mechanically, this shotgun functions correctly and smoothly, reflecting the quality machining that defined Winchester’s pre war era. As an early production Model 42 retaining original finish and correct configuration, this 1934 example represents a desirable Curio and Relic era Winchester that continues to command respect among collectors of classic American sporting arms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF