Winchester Model 42 – DELUXE GRADE, 1956, 28” SKEET, 3”

The Model 42 is an icon in the ranks of Winchester firearms, made in the days of the highest quality control and hand fitted parts.  The Model 42 was a flawlessly produced little pump gun, chambered only for the diminutive .410 shotgun shell.  In the 30 years of production that ran from 1933 to 1963, almost 160,000 of these fine guns were produced.  A very large percentage were Standard Grade guns, and there were also Skeet Grades, Trap Grades, Deluxe Grades, and rarely a Pigeon Grade. IN ALL THERE WERE LESS THAN 400 DELUXE GRADES EVER MADE BY THE FACTORY.   In Ned Schwing’s book “THE WINCHESTER MODEL 42” he describes the Deluxe Grade as a continuation of the Trap Grade that was in production from 1934 to 1939 with only 231 guns produced.  In 1946 the Deluxe Grade took the place of the Trap Grade with the same distinguishing features, namely the jeweled bolt and carrier, XXX wood, double diamond 20-line-per-inch checkered forend, single diamond checkered stock, and all fitted with the utmost care.  Schwing mentions the Pigeon Grade being made with the same features as the Deluxe Grade with the addition of the Pigeon engraving on the magazine tube.  The Model 42 shown here, sn122385 built in 1956, is a beautiful example of a Deluxe Grade gun with all the correct features; gorgeous wood with double diamond checkering pattern, engine turned bolt and carrier, and hand polished parts.  Just look at the 3X wood, superb hand-rubbed oil finish, and it is definitive factory wood on the gun.  The 28” donut post rib barrel is correct for the period and has a mirror bore choked and marked SKEET.  The chamber is factory 3” so you can shoot the heavier shells for hunting birds and rabbits.  THIS IS A GORGEOUS EXAMPLE OF ONE OF WINCHESTER’S HIGHEST OFFERING IN THE MODEL 42 LINE.  Of course, everything Winchester will always be collectible, and values will always continue to climb, as they are not being made any longer.   This gun has been used in the past so no need to hesitate shooting the gun at clays or for your next woodcock hunt.  See specifications below.  An honest Model 42 Deluxe does not surface often, so don’t hesitate or she’ll be gone!  Life is short…write the check 😊  Thanks for looking!