Pre-War Winchester Model 42 G4201S 26″ FULL .410 Bore Pump Shotgun 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2032.77
LSB#: 210407SH02
Make: Winchester
Model: 42, Catalog Number G4201S
Serial Number: 36799
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Gauge: Bore 410, 2 ¾” 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.” and “FULL”, 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 “36799”. 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: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with a pre-war grooved “corn-cob” slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The slide handle has only a few scattered light marks. The buttstock has scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with a few small voids in the finish, most notable in the wrist and belly. There are two thin cracks at the front edge of the wrist on the top and one on the left. There are a couple of very small losses at the rear edge of the buttstock on the left. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges, a couple of nicks at the heel on the right, and 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 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation on the receiver, the barrel extension, the rear of the magazine tube and the rear of the barrel. There are tool marks around the sideplate screw heads. 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 standard grade .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. It is in Very Good condition, showing wear consistent with use in the field. The shotgun retains a nice bore and strong mechanics. It would make a fine addition to any collection, especially if you have a new generation of shooters to train. Please see our photos and good luck!