Collector Value of Winchester Model 42?

I inherited this shotgun. Is this worth anything to collectors? This is not an offer to sell it, I'm just inquiring as to value. It's NRA 95%, a few very light nicks in the stock. Barrelled in .410 ga and ONLY 3 inch shells. Is it worth sending to auction, or keeping it around the house for killing squirrels? Thanks. Hot Ajax.

Depending on actual condition, it can be worth between 1000 and 3000

values are actually higher as sent in PM

You inherited a sweet gun

You my friend have acquired a very fine, treasured, sought after, rare shotgun. Its a mini-version of the model 12 winchester. Its also a very valuable.In fair condition a retail price is an easy $1000 dollars. and it goes up from there depending on condition and wood. I just checked Cabela's gun library and the cheapest one was $1500 and the most expensive was $14,500.
My sincere advice to you is to learn everything about this gun that you can. Someone thought enough of you to will it to you, and now they have entrusted it to you. Enjoy it and shoot it and I know you will love it.

I thought it was going to be another model to be thrown upon the trash heap of history. I don't think it was used too much at all other than to hold up the wall of a closet. The action is silky smooth, and you're right - it looks like a Model 12 that went to Weight Watchers. Pretty neat gun, though. But as I found out, the ammo for .410 in 3" shells is pretty costly, like $20 for a box of 25. Thanks for the insights. Hot Ajax

A MEC Jr used can be bought for about $75 online or from Craigs List or your local trap/skeet club. You can reload standard 2-1/2 target loads for about $3/box

Can you shoot 2 1/2" shells in a gun that says "3 Inches" if you're shooting shot?

I have a number of 42s and yes you can shoot 2 1/2" in it. I also shoot the 2" 410 shells that you can get from Gamebore. Value is dependent on many factors. A basic field gun in original condition is usually full choke and 26" or 28" barrel length and certainly worth a grand. An original with a solid rib or original winchester vent rib can increase the price dramatically. Any 42 with IC or Skeet barrel brings the price up more. The deluxe versions with special wood, hand checkering can bring 4 grand. There were only four Model 12 410s made and one us going up for auction this month in Illinois with a starting bid of 10 grand.


They are great shooters. My grandson killed his first squirrel this year with one. Keep it an enjoy shoot it.

Yes, 2 1/2" 410 shells will shoot just fine and perfectly safe in a .410 chambered for 3" shells.

What is "Gamebore" that you alluded to in your post about the Model 42? Thanks.

Gamebore is an English brand of shotgun ammo

i have a rem 870 in 410 that i had openned up to mod choke from full choke and now its a good 25-30 yrd rabbit gun. the full choke barrel in my rem 870 shotgun just didn,t pattern good. eastbank.

Part of Kent Cartridge Division. Sometimes difficult to find. The 2" 410 shells are about $6 a box available in number 7 and 6 shot. Only about 3/8 oz of shot but great for kids to shoot and pretty sporting on skeet.

That is one sweet little shotgun! I wish i had one

What is "Gamebore" that you alluded to in your post about the Model 42? Thanks.
http://kentgamebore.com/

Here's a link to Gamebore:

http://www.gamebore.com/
http://kentgamebore.com/



Usually Cabelas will carry some of their shotshells. I like their fiberwad sporting clays shells a lot. That's what some shooting facilities are starting to use instead of plastic wad shells. Also one of the few companies that make a competitive pigeon load, although the parent company Kent Cartridge also makes one. Some of their speciality loads like their 12 G Mammoth Magnum are interesting (claims of 90 yard clean kills). That 2" 410 is called a 410 Gamebore2. Since their factory is in West Virginia I just go up there and buy at the factory when our group of shooters can put together a good order.

Hope this helps.