Pre War Winchester Model 42 .410 GA 26″ Skeet Simmons Vent Rib Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1475
LSB#: 210903LS11
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 31322
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Gauge: .410 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-”, “.410-3 IN”, and “SKEET”. The left of the trigger guard at the back is marked “S”. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.—– / NEW HAVEN. CONN.—-U.S.A. PAT.NO. 1912403-1969255”. The bottom of the receiver and receiver extension are marked with the serial number. The bottom of the receiver extension and magazine tube slide are marked with arrows. The left side of the custom rib is marked “SIMMONS GUN SPECIALTIES, INC. OLATHE, KANSAS”.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Fixed Skeet
Sights / Optics: There is a red fiber optic sight in a base fixed to the rib at the muzzle. The top of the receiver and rib are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with round-bottom grooved side handle, pistol grip, straight comb, and black Winchester checkered butt plate. There are some light handling marks on the forend. The buttstock has a few infrequent light compressions, faint scratches, and light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear with two marks into the plate towards the top. The checkering is strong. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are some scattered patches of erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its new metal finish. The receiver has some light handling wear. There is some light erosion under the finish on the bottom of the receiver at the front and bottom of the receiver extension. There is some operational wear on the magazine tube and on the action bar. The barrel has a couple of little marks on the barrel, most noticeable on the bottom. There is light thinning on the edge of the muzzle. There is some discoloration from previous oxidation on the lifter. The screw heads are tooled yet still serviceable. The markings are light and rounded. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 1938. 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, smooth stocks with grooves slide handle and pistol grip. It is in Fine condition and retains about 97% of its new metal finish. This one was sent to Simmons Gun Specialties for a rib to be installed and now also has a rib extension. This shotgun would make a fine shooter, especially if you want to challenge yourself on the Skeet fields. Please see our photos and good luck!