Cased Winchester Model 42 Takedown .410 Bore 26″ Pump Action Shotgun 3″ C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,712.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS097
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 53898
Year of Manufacture: 1946 / C&R ( )
Gauge: .410 3″ Shells
Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Shotguns
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./ MADE IN USA – / FULL.” The magazine tube and receiver are both marked with the serial number “53898”.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Fixed: FULL
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Silver bead fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a grooved channel that is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a Two-piece walnut stock with pistol grip, 18-groove pump grip and vented rubber Pachmayr recoil pad. There are a few minor compression dings and scratches from handing wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttpad. The stock rates in Fine Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright but there is significant plastic fouling present near the chamber. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is minor operational wear on the magazine, with the leading edges showing minimal blueing loss The screw heads are mostly sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates a Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions 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: Comes in a Factory Winchester locking green case with cleaning tools.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 42 occupies a distinctive place in American shotgun history as the first repeating shotgun designed from the outset specifically for the .410 bore rather than scaled down from a larger gauge. Development began in the late 1920s under William Roemer, whose long career at Winchester included roles as draftsman, engineer, and chief gun designer, with patents granted in 1933 covering the receiver and internal components. Introduced in 1933, the Model 42 combined the familiar pump-action layout of the Model 12 with a purpose-built .410 platform, resulting in a lightweight, finely balanced shotgun that quickly earned a reputation for smooth operation and surprising effectiveness.
A key feature of the Model 42 was its original 3 inch chambering, introduced alongside Winchester’s Super X 3 inch .410 ammunition and promoted as dramatically improving the small bore’s field performance. With a total production of approximately 159,353 examples, the Model 42 was manufactured in far smaller numbers than the Model 12, contributing to its enduring appeal among collectors. By the mid-1940s, production reflected Winchester’s postwar quality standards, with well-finished components, clear markings, and consistent mechanical execution, making 1946 examples representative of mature Model 42 production.
This cased takedown example with a 26 inch Full choke barrel presents as a well-preserved and properly configured shotgun, retaining strong original finish, matching serial numbers, and a factory Winchester green locking case with accessories. The takedown configuration adds practical convenience and collector interest, while the overall condition reflects careful use and storage over time. As a complete package, this Model 42 stands as a classic expression of Winchester’s engineering approach to the .410 bore and remains one of the most refined small-bore pump shotguns ever produced, Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF