1953 Winchester Model 42

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

I recently found this Winchester Model 42 at my LGS -- and, after a day or two of intense negotiations (I folded like a house of cards), I put this baby in jail.

A.410 has been on my (impossible to deplete) bucket list for a while now.

Winchester marketed these nimble little shotguns as "Everybody's Sweetheart" and the "Greatest Little Shotgun in the World." They were offered in five grades: Standard, Deluxe, Skeet, Pigeon and Trap.

The one I purchased is the Standard Grade sporting a 28" barrel with a "full choke."

I recently shot a friends "Skeet Grade" model 42 with a 26" barrel. I have to say it was a hoot!

Any of you guys out there have a Model 42? If so, please share your experiences -- and of course post a picture or two.

[Ducky's Dad]

I have a couple of 42s, and I agree that they are a hoot, especially on doves. Unfortunately, the CA non-tox mandate for hunting makes them less than useful in this state. Mine are 1936 and 1937 (I think), one with PG and the other with straight grip, checkered stocks and forends. Both have 26" vent rib barrels, one full choke and the other fitted with screw chokes (before I bought it). At least one of my .410s is going to AZ in a couple of weeks.

[TRAP55]

Had a guy just ask me to date and appraise his recently deceased BIL's guns so his sister could sell them. I figured it was a dozen or so, not! Over 80 long guns, majority being shotguns, and the majority of those were Model 12's and 42's. I'm hooking him up with LocustFork on Gunbroker to do the auctioning for him, and she ships to Calif.

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

Ducky's Dad, would love to see pics of your 42s if you feel like posting. The SKEET model I shot had the straight grip.

TRAP, that sounds like you swerved into the motherlode of Winchester 42s. I'll keep an eye on Gunbroker for the 42s to appear.

[TRAP55]

DRA, I'll post a link here when the deal gets done, and the auctions are up. Kasey is sympathetic to our cause, and will go the extra mile for those of us here behind the iron curtain, She has even offered to receive, then ship your gun from the aholes that won't sell into Calif.
I'll check with the gun owner, and see if he'll send me a group shot of the 42's, and I'll post it here for you.

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

Trap, Kasey sounds great. Very cool of her.

A group photo of the 42s would be fantastic!

Here's a photo of my friend's Skeet Grade model 42 with a straight stock:

[TRAP55]

I haven't got the particulars on each one yet.

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

Trap, thanks for posting the group photo. At a glance they all look like Standard Grade models -- and they look to be in nice shape.

[TRAP55]

Yes, they are. There's a real nice Pigeon Grade that will be on GB, but I know that seller, and he's one those guys that won't sell to Calif. I just heard back from both parties, a deal has been made, and appt to pick up the guns. Shouldn't any more than two weeks before listed. There's a couple of real nice Mdl 12's in the bunch.
One was a Field Grade that I couldn't figure out for awhile. It was a gunsmithing school final exam project. Done up real nice to mimic a Pigeon Grade, Ivory grip cap and stock inlay, with a variation on a #3? Winchester engraving pattern.

[71MUSTY]

When I was a kid there was a $25.00 an ear bounty on Yotes. When I was 10 Dad gave me a 410 and set me loose. I spent a whole summer hunting Yotes. Note to self: It's pretty near impossible to get close enough to shoot a Yote with a 410 while riding a Honda Trail 70.

But Oh how I tried.

[whutsup40]

When I was a kid there was a $25.00 an ear bounty on Yotes. When I was 10 Dad gave me a 410 and set me loose. I spent a whole summer hunting Yotes. Note to self: It's pretty near impossible to get close enough to shoot a Yote with a 410 while riding a Honda Trail 70.

But Oh how I tried.

Oh but how much fun trying!!

[highpower]

Pardon my ignorance, but is the Model 42 basically a scaled down Model 12?

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

Pardon my ignorance, but is the Model 42 basically a scaled down Model 12?

I'm new to the model 42, but yes, that is my understanding. Hopefully Trap will be a along soon to confirm this.

[TRAP55]

Pardon my ignorance, but is the Model 42 basically a scaled down Model 12?

HP, yes sir, exactly what it is.

[BOBGBA]

Trap - Thanks for providing the seller's GB name.
I've already created and saved a search for these.
Here's a link for a model 42 that Locust Fork currently has on GB.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/907756842