Pre-War Winchester Model 42 26″ CYL .410 Takedown Pump Shotgun, 1934 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225
WOA#: WY240227CP007
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 18542
Year of Manufacture: 1934
Gauge: .410, chambered for 3” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “MODEL 42”, -“WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“-, “.410-3IN.-” and “CYL.”. The top of the barrel and top of the receiver each have a Winchester proof. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN. CONN.-PATENTS PENDING-“. The bottom of the receiver is marked “18542”. The bottom of the barrel extension has been force-matched “18542”.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored bead fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a sighting plane on the top of the receiver which is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with pre-war grooved slide handle, post-war flat-bottom pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The forend has a few small, but notable dings. There are a few other scattered minor marks. 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 minor wear with well defined checkering; the lettering is slightly rounded. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as, at least partially, not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel extension has been force-matched and is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with some minor operational wear. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most notable on the left of the barrel between the model roll-mark and the choke marking. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear with soft edges, the barrel extension’s serial marking is stamped over a previous marking and is poorly struck. There is minor dishing around the pin/screw holes. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a vintage pre-war Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun manufactured in 1934. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin, the Model 12. This is a nice example with a 26″ Cylinder Bore barrel chambered for 3? shells and without any rib. The gun has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The gun is in Fine overall condition as refinished, having little sign of use since the new finish was applied. This would be a gun for clays or in the field as well as a nice addition to a Winchester collection. Good luck and happy bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
