WINCHESTER MODEL 42
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Winchester Model 42 is one of the most iconic guns of the 20th century. Designed by William “Bill” Ruger, the Winchester Model 42 has been used by generations since its release in 1930. This .410 bore lever action shotgun is a reliable and dependable weapon that has seen its way into the hearts and hands of bird hunters and clay sporting enthusiasts
The Winchester Model 42 was an evolution of the earlier Model 1897 and Model 12 shotguns. Ruger blended the features of the two earlier guns, along with his own enhancements, to create a modernized version with a greater emphasis on reliability and accuracy. Ruger used new materials and construction techniques to create a strong, safe and effective shotgun.
The Winchester Model 42 is a light, well constructed, lever action shotgun. It features an 18.5 inch barrel, a 3/8-inch lineless vent rib, and a “Triple-Safety” trigger system. This system uses three different connecting bars and pins to ensure that the action will not fire unless the user manually cocks the hammer and presses the trigger. Its virtually indestructible receiver is machined from anodized alloy, and is designed to resist scratches and dents. Other features include a tang-mounted safety selector switch and a loading port located at the top of the receiver. The Winchester Model 42 was the only .410 bore shotgun of its time to come equipped with a machined steel receiver. This made the gun much stronger than its competition, and greatly reduced the wear and tear suffered by the internal components, resulting in a longer service life.
The Winchester Model 42 has proven itself an effective and reliable hunting shotgun. Its magazine tube holds up to four shells, keeping hunting going for longer without the need to reload. Its lightweight design makes the gun easier to carry, even for long distances, while the strong, reliable action ensures that the gun will fire without malfunction. Its short barrel, combined with its wide choke selection, also makes the Model 42 an ideal gun for close range bird hunting.
The Winchester Model 42 has been used by generations of shooters and hunters since its introduction in 1930. Its lightweight design and reliable action have made it a favorite amongst bird hunters and clay-sporting enthusiasts. The gun has also seen its way into the collections of dedicated firearm enthusiasts who find its elegant lines and smooth operation make it a great choice for display.
The Winchester Model 42 is an excellent example of classic firearm engineering. The combination of Ruger’s modern design concepts and high levels of quality control has resulted in a shotgun that is strong, reliable and enjoyable to use. Its lightweight design and wide choke selection make it an ideal choice for bird hunters and sporting shooters, while its classic styling and timeless design ensures that it will remain a favorite amongst collectors for many years to come. The Winchester Model 42 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and well-made: The Winchester Model 42 is renowned for its reliability, accuracy and overall excellent shooting performance.
- Customizable: The gun can be very easily customized with different stocks, barrels and choke tubes.
- Fun to shoot: The Winchester Model 42 is fun to shoot and is often considered to be one of the most enjoyable guns to fire.
- Pocket size: Despite having a larger than average capacity for a break action shotgun, the Winchester Model 42 is highly portable due to its compact size and lightweight design.
Cons:
- Price: The Winchester Model 42 is rather expensive compared to other shotguns of its classification.
- Limited ammunition: The gun is highly limited in the types of ammunition it can take. It can only take .410 gauge shells and cannot handle the larger gauge shotguns.
- Parts availability: Although the gun has been around for some time, there is limited availability of replacement parts and the parts may no longer be manufactured.
Who Should Buy
The Winchester Model 42 is a popular pump-action shotgun that was first introduced to the market in 1933. Anyone looking for a high quality, well-made shotgun should seriously consider the Winchester Model 42 for their firearms collection.
The Winchester Model 42 is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile hunting shotgun. It is perfect for upland game and small game, and it offers smooth and reliable cycling. For those looking for a shotgun for sporting clays or trap shooting, the Winchester Model 42 is definitely worth considering.
However, the Winchester Model 42 may not be the best choice for someone looking for a home defense firearm. The Model 42 is a single-shot shotgun, meaning that it can only fire one shell at a time. A semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun might be more suitable for home defense, as they offer faster reload times and more firepower.
Comparisons
| Feature | Winchester Model 42 | Smith & Wesson M&P 12 | Remington 870 Express Magnum | Winchester SXP Black Shadow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Pump | Semi-Automatic | Pump | Pump |
| Gauge | .410 Bore | 12-Gauge | 12-Gauge | 12-Gauge |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 4 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 28" | 18" | 28" | 28” |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 7.25 lbs | 5.7 lbs |
| Finish | Polished Blued | Black Melonite | Matte Black | Matte Black |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .410 gauge
•Action Type: Hammerless, pump action
•Overall Length: 41.5"
•Barrel Length: 26", 28" or 32"
•Weight: 7.0 lbs.
•Introduced: 1933
•Variations:A, B, C
•Sights:Vent Rib barrels with bead front sight
•Capacity: 3 Round tubular magazine
Popular Accessories
There are many popular accessories for the Winchester Model 42, including: extended magazines, trigger upgrades, buttplate extensions, brass bead sights, choke tubes, recoil pads, and scope mounts.
Accuracy
The WINCHESTER MODEL 42 was first produced in 1933 and is often considered to be one of the best and most reliable models ever produced by the Winchester company. It was built to be incredibly accurate and durable, with most models averaging at least 70-75% accuracy on 30-40 yard shots. It also features an ultra-smooth cycling action and an adjustable trigger for increased accuracy. All in all, the Winchester Model 42 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an incredibly accurate and reliable gun.
