Make: Winchester
Model: 42
Serial Number: 135405
Year of Manufacture: 1958 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 22)
Caliber: .410, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 28”, Solid Rib
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzle. The tops of the rib and receiver are serrated to help reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut featuring a ribbed forend with a smooth bottom, a semi-pistol grip, a straight comb, and a Winchester hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, and compressions, as well as some minor handling and storage marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some stubborn fouling but no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered nicks, scratches, and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 42 is a pump-action shotgun that was first introduced in 1933. It was designed by William Roemer, who had previously worked for Remington Arms and Marlin Firearms. The Model 42 was intended to be a small-game and bird-hunting shotgun, and it indeed quickly became popular among hunters and sportsmen. The Model 42 was built on the same design concept as the Model 12 shotgun, which was Winchester's flagship pump-action shotgun at the time. However, the Model 42 was significantly smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and more maneuverable in the field. It was also chambered for the .410 bore, which is a relatively small shotgun shell that is ideal for hunting small game and birds.
This is a vintage post-war Winchester Model 42 standard grade .410 bore pump-action shotgun from 1958. It’s in Fine condition, showing wear consistent with only a handful of trips to the range—quite lovely for its age. The shotgun retains a great bore and strong mechanics. It would make a fine addition to any collection, especially if you have a new generation of shooters to train.
Shotgun