Winchester Model 42 bbl issues

[Huckelberry75]

I recently picked up a Winchester Model 42, but it has some serious rust on the barrel. I am afraid that it might be too deep, and compromise the steel. Anyone know where a guy might find a replacement barrel? I found one on gunbroker, but the guy wants $490 for it, which seems just a tad steep to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[natman]

Pictures would help to comment on the rust. It's not going to be easy to find an extra barrel; most 42s came with a Full choked barrel and that's how people shot them. Best of luck.

 

[Huckelberry75]

I would take pics, but it is currently at the gunsmith's getting a check-up before I take it out to shoot.

 

[oneounceload]

Price isn't steep at all, not when you consider most of these sell for $1500 and WAY up from there. With the barrel being half the gun, they usually go for half the price. I'd get one in great condition while you can. You can always sell that one off and recoup some of your money.

A friend of mine has two - engraved by Angelo Bee and barely shot at all. $8K each when bought way back when; now worth pushing $15-$20k each.

When you look at it from that perspective, $490 is cheap....

"Hey honey, look how much I saved!"....

 

[eastbank]

a barrel in very good condition for a win 42 at 490.00 may be a tad high, but not by much. as most 42,s are pushing the 2000.00 mark and a new barrel could turn a 800-900 dollar 42 into a 1700-1800 dollar 42. i never warmed up to the 42,s and went to the rem 870,s in 410 instead, but to every one his own. eastbank.

 

[ATAShooter]

You may want to hit up Wright's gun shop in Pickneyville IL. Stu is a Model 12 guru. He may be able to put you onto a barrel.

 

[rcmodel]

Another thing.

Changing a barrel on a Model 42 is not child's play like on a Rem 870 or something.

You have a receiver extension to remove & replace, and it takes a special wrench to do it.
Because it is hard fit on the barrel.

Then you have to know how to set the headspace on the new barrel after the receiver extension is put back on and torqued properly.

Then, you have to install and set the adjusting sleeve.

Best find a gunsmith with the tools and knowledge, cause 'Don't try this at home kids' applies here in spades!!

rc