Pre-War Winchester Model 42 G4204S 28″ FULL .410 Bore Pump Shotgun 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1400
LSB#: 210217RW02
Make: Winchester
Model: 42, Catalog Number G4204S
Serial Number: 38228
Year of Manufacture: 1938
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.” 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 “38228”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle.
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 stocks have some scattered light nicks and scratches, most in the buttstock and nearly all oiled-over. There is a crack in the bottom of the wrist at the front and there are grain lines opening up on each side behind the wrist. The wood is discolored where it meets the metal. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear, three nicks on the right edge which appear intentionally applied and there are two “F”s hand-carved into the checkering. The checkering and lettering are otherwise well defined. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks through the finish. The action shows operational wear. There is some scattered erosion under the finish as well as a few nicks that have been finished over. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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 as refinished, showing wear consistent with little use since its new finish was applied. 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!