Winchester Post-War Model 42 Cutts .410 Pump Action Shotgun, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
WOA#: WY240627TS002
Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 77188
Year of Manufacture: 1948
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 “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 42 – 410 – 3 IN. CHAM.” and “MOD”. The bottom of the receiver extension and receiver are both marked “77188”. The bottom of the magazine tube and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with opposing arrow indexing marks. There are Winchester proofs on the barrel and receiver.
Barrel Length: The barrel proper has been cut back to approximately 21 1/2″. It is 24 1/2″ to the front of the installed Cutts Compensator, 27 1/4″ to the front of an installed Lyman choke.
Choke: A Cutt’s Compensator has been installed which is threaded for Lyman chokes with a Full installed. No other chokes are included.
Sights / Optics: There is a bead mounted to the front of the Cutts Comp. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with a post-war grooved, flat-bottom slide handle, pre-war style flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated black rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple of more notable dings. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12 3/4″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and has hardened slightly with age. It is not clear if the buttstock is pre-war style due to being replaced or if it is due to parts clean-up at the factory. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There is some minor surface oxidation. There is a little minor erosion under the finish with a patch of more notable erosion on the Lyman choke. The receiver’s finish has a slight plum hue. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, some have been paint-filled. Overall, this shotgun is in 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 post-war vintage Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun from 1948. 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 been customized with a Cutts Compensator which is threaded for Lyman chokes (Full installed). The gun has a pre-war style buttstock, but this could just be the result of Winchester taking a few years to get all of the old-style stocks out of its factory. The gun is in Very Good condition as refinished, looking good for its age. 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
