Make: Winchester

Model: 42

Serial Number: 39693

Year of Manufacture: 1938 / C&R

Gauge: .410 Bore, 3" Chamber

Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 28", after-market Simmons vent-rib.

Choke: Full, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib, its extension, and the receiver are serrated for glare reduction. The top of the receiver has a matte finish to further reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with extended slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, Winchester checkered hard rubber buttplate. There are smooth diamond motifs in the checkering. The checkering appears to be aftermarket. There are some light nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The action shows little to no operational wear post refinish. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent 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 .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. Only 159,353 Model 42s were made. This example has seen some customization with a new blue finish, Simmons ventilated rib, and a new set of checkered walnut stocks installed. With its 28" barrel choked Full, this will make a neat gun that will turn some heads on the clays field and would be a nice display in a Winchester collection missing a Model 42.