Winchester Model 42

About the Winchester Model 42

The Winchester Model 42 is an American pump-action shotgun chambered for the .410 bore, produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1933 to 1963. Designed by William Roemer as a scaled-down version of John Browning's Model 12, it was the first slide-action shotgun engineered specifically around the .410 shell rather than adapted from a larger gauge. Prized for its light weight, slim proportions and elegant handling, it was offered in Standard, Skeet, Trap, Deluxe and Pigeon grades and became one of the most collectible smallbore shotguns ever made.

Marketed as 'The Greatest Little Shotgun in the World', the Model 42 earned a devoted following among skeet shooters and small-game hunters. Its scaled-down Model 12 lineage, fine walnut and delicate handling made high-grade examples among the most sought-after collector shotguns of the 20th century.

Winchester Model 42 specifications

Approximately 164,800 were produced across all grades. Early guns had 2.5-inch chambers; 3-inch chambering became standard. Offered with 26- or 28-inch barrels, plain, solid or ventilated ribs, and optional Cutts Compensators.