Factory Engraved Browning Model 42 High Grade .410 Bore 26″ Pump Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2,445.00
LSB#: LSB260216LJ012
Make: Miroku in Japan, for Browning
Model: 42 High Grade V
Serial Number: 02818NZ982
Year of Manufacture: 1991 / Modern
Gauge: .410, 2 1/2 & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Shotguns
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 42 .410 BORE – 2 1/2″ AND 3″ SHELLS FULL”, with a “NP” proof, found again on top of the receiver to the left of the rib extension. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL, P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The underside of the barrel extension is marked “02818”, the underside of the magazine tube and extension have indexing arrows. The bottom of the receiver is marked “02818 / NZ982”. The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”. The left side of the receiver has a scroll engraving surrounding dog and pheasant scene, the right a similarly surrounded waterfowl scene with the animals in both scenes gold-plated.
Barrel Length: 25 7/8″ This barrel has been cut.
Choke: Fixed: Modified
Sights / Optics: The shotgun is mounted with a steel bead fixed to the front of its ventilated rib. The rib meets at an extension slotted onto the receiver; the tops are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered, gloss-finished select walnut set. The forend has double diamond and surrounding checkers on both sides. The butt stock has checkering on the pistol grip with a fluted comb, blued steel grip cap and textured black plastic buttplate. There is no notable wear or damage in the stocks, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate; the plate has no notable wear or damage. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Accents
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is pristine. There is just a bit of operational wear on the action bar and bolt. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly. This shotgun takes down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. 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: This shotgun comes complete with its serialized factory box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: When Winchester discontinued the .410 version of its iconic Model 12 in 1963, there was a hole left in the shotgun collector’s world. The gun that Winchester marketed as “Everyone’ s Sweetheart was missed.
For two years only (1991-1993) Browning had Miroku in Japan produce a clone, the Browning Model 42. For the first time in nearly 30 years, .410 enthusiasts had a chance to get their hands on a 42. Most were Grade I guns, but 6,000 of them were the very attractive Grade V, like this one.
This Grade V is in Excellent condition and comes with its serial matching box. It has apparently been cut 1/8″ to open up the choke to Modified. From the select walnut stocks to the beautiful engraving and gold accents, this shotgun will likely put a smile on a collector’s face.
Please see our photos.
-C.B.