Winchester Model 42 410 gauge

[Wayward]

I inherited a Winchester Model 42 410 gauge pump shotgun. Problem is when I slide a round into the chamber it won't hold, the shell just pops back out.

Another thing I noticed is that when I dry fire it I can't rack the slide without pressing the slide release. Is this normal?

I don't know much about shotguns, I only have an 870, and I'm wondering if this thing is worth fixing. Thanks.

 

[jrhines]

Wayward - I won't try to gunsmith your Mod 42 problem on-line, but I will tell you that any Mod 42 is worth conserving. I an assuming you have a Mod 42 that was built 25+ years ago. There are some modern 42s, but they ain't the same. These were some of the nicest little guns that ever went on a dove hunt. There are books devoted to them. There are collectors who specialize in them. There are folks (like me) who continually ask themselves "Why did you sell that gun?". Take a few pics and post 'em, we would all like to see & enjoy your good fortune.

 

[TrapperReady]

To give you an idea if it's worth fixing.

I'm currently looking at buying a Model 42. The cheapest I can find in good shape is just shy of $1100. Excellent condition or more rare models are closer to $1500.

If you've any question about operation (or disassembly) please take it to a knowledgable gunsmith and have him take a look and show you a thing or two about it. It's based on the Model 12 which is a superb gun, but you can mess things up if you are hamhanded with disassembly/reassembly.

You've got a treasure there. Take good care of it and treat it right. Post pics if you can.

 

[sm]

Trapper will swap you a new .410 870 for that Old 42 - won't you Trapper?

Seriously, Heed the advice already given. Classics such as this are getting harder to find. It really breaks the hearts of many of us to see Classics being hard to find, not appreciated, and / or abused.

 

[Traveler]

I'll bet that the problems you mentioned can be cured with a total strip and clean by someone qualified.

If you do decide to get rid of it, let me know.

 

[Clemson]

Wayward, your model 42 is probably operating normally.

1. I think you must be talking about inserting a shell into the magazine rather than the chamber. That first shell comes out about 1/2 inch and is held by the carrier/bolt. The shell stop will stop the next one from coming out. It is different from the 870. Once you put that first shell in, it should chamber when you "rack" the slide.
2. Whn you dry fire the gun, it generates no recoil. The slide must be forced FORWARD a fraction of an inch before it releases to come backward. Normally recoil will do that for you, but dry firing circumvents that action.

Good luck!

Clemson

 

[Wayward]

Clemson,

Yes, you're right I meant to say magazine instead of chamber in my original post.

With your help I think I just figured it out! Bear with me because I'm not sure of the correct term for it but on the 870 there's this "flap" that lifts up out of the way when you insert a shell into the magazine. The shell clicks into place and when you remove your fingers this flap moves back down into place obscuring your view of the shell you just inserted. Using your advice I inserted 3 shells into the magazine of the 42 and let the last come back and rest against this "flap". The gun will now cycle rounds! Thanks very much for the help