Pre-War Winchester Model 42 26″ Skeet .410 Bore Pump Shotgun, MFD 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210228RI01
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 45078
Year of Manufacture: 1941
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. CHAM.-” and “SKEET”, the right is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.- / NEW HAVEN, CONN. – U.S.A PAT. NO. 1912403-1969255”. 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 “45078”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks. The left of the trigger guard has an inspector’s mark.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the barrel. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with extended slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most in the buttstock. The checkering is well defined. There is a small chip-loss in the front of the wrist at the top-right. There is a thin crack in the left of the forend at the rear edge in the scallop. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with some residue in the well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered light finish wear with more notable handling wear on the bottom-front of the receiver. The worn areas show minor discoloration from oxidation and there is some other scattered minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about 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: This is a vintage pre-war Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun from 1941. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin the Model 12. This example has a 26″ Skeet choked barrel, checkered stocks with extended slide handle and pistol grip. It is in Very Good condition with wear consistent with use on the skeet range and maybe even hunting, a great bore and strong mechanics. This shotgun would make a fine addition to any collection, especially if you want to challenge yourself on the Skeet fields. Please see our photos and good luck!