Click Here For Hi-Res Images:
photos.app.goo.gl/GfWx2VbJjdqQWR319
In House Shipping:
$50.00 + 1.5% Shipping Insurance
Make: Winchester
Model: 42 Skeet Grade
Serial Number: 145289
Year of Manufacture: 1957 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .410 Bore
Action Type: Pump action, tube fed
Barrel Length: 23" Vent-Rib, 27.5" with the Cutts Compensator
Choke: Spreader (screwed into the compensator)
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a metal bead fixed to the compensator. There is a textured rib running along the top of the barrel.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a checkered extended forend, capped, checkered semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered synthetic Winchester buttplate. The buttplate has some stubborn white residue in the checkering. There is faint wear on the furniture with a few minor pressure dings and blemishes. The LOP measures 13.75" from the face of the trigger to the rear of the butt. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the furniture is in Fine+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is very faint erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are occasional light scratches and finish wear on the magazine tube from operation. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is an outstanding Skeet Grade example of Winchester's legendary .410 pump shotgun, retaining approximately 96% of its original finish. The metal surfaces are deep and even with only light handling evidence, and the shotgun retains matching serialized parts, an important point of originality for the Model 42. The Skeet Grade configuration presents the refined proportions and balance these guns are known for, and the factory quality is immediately apparent in the fit and finish.
The barrel is fitted with a Cutts compensator, a popular period modification intended to reduce muzzle rise and aid in fast follow up shots on the skeet field. The installation gives the shotgun a distinctly mid century competition appearance that is correct to the era when many Model 42s were actively used for skeet shooting. The bore rates an excellent 9.5 out of 10, showing bright steel and strong condition throughout.
Mechanically, the shotgun is solid. The action functions correctly and delivers the smooth, precise pump stroke that made the Model 42 the gold standard of .410 bore slide action shotguns. Handling is lively and well balanced, with the Skeet configuration optimized for quick target acquisition and controlled swing.
As a 1957 Skeet Grade Model 42 with high remaining finish, a strong bore, correct mechanical function, and has been equipped with a period correct Cutts compensator, this shotgun represents one of the most desirable configurations of Winchester's iconic .410. Examples in this level of condition are increasingly scarce and remain highly sought after by collectors and skeet enthusiasts alike.