Winchester Model 42 Simmons Wide Vent-Rib .410 3″ Pump Shotgun, 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1550
LSB#: 220106TB030
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 126262
Year of Manufacture: 1953
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- / -TRADE MARK-“, “-MODEL 42-410-3 IN. CHAM.- / MADE IN U.S.A.-WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and is marked “FULL” just in front of the receiver. The bottom of the receiver extension and receiver are both marked “126262”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks. The left of the rib is marked “SIMMONS GUN SPECIALTIES INC. KANSAS CITY, MO”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full
Sights / Optics: There is a pink fiber-optic bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller brass mid-bead. The top of the wide rib and its matching extension are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with grooved, flat-bottom slide handle, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and black rubber Kick-Eez buttpad. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable marks in the left of the buttstock. there is thinning finish at the toe. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 13 5/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has minor wear, mostly shaping wear around the edges, and is still supple. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely at the time the rib was installed.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in edge-thinning and standard operational wear. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The remaining markings are clear (there are “WP” proofs which were removed/covered when the rib was installed). Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus 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 post-war Winchester Model 42 standard grade .410 bore pump action shotgun with round barrel from 1953. 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-plus condition with wear consistent with responsible use since it was refinished, a great bore and strong mechanics. It has had a Simmons wide, ventilated rib installed and based on the quality of the markings despite being refinished, it is possible that the refinishing and rib install was performed by Simmons. This shotgun 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!