Winchester Model 42?

SP45

The Blue Book states that prewar model 42s add 25% to value. Is a gun made in 1942 considered prewar. It also states that 2 1/2" chamber guns only, add 30%. In 1942 were they making both 2 1/2 and 3" chambers if so would you add both premiums to the value.

SP45

1947 Gun, Solid Rib, Factory CYL Bore. Is this considered to be rarer than other chokes.

charliemeyer007

The Blue book is either a bargain or wishful thinking IMHO. I'm think 42 is a war year, most of 41 was pre-war Dec. 7th.

Have you done the advanced search on completed auction for actual selling prices?

tsr1965

I am thinking that Bert H can address any question, if you have a serial number in mind. He might even be able to tell you the serial number cutoff for pre war, and 2 1/2 inch chambers.

EDIT 1

quote:quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
Model 42 serial number 51520 was the last one manufactured on September 19th, 1942.

I do not know precisely when Winchester discontinued the 2 1/2" chambered guns, but I seem to remember it was shortly after WW II.


Well how about that...you learned both things you were asking, plus an extra bonus, of the most likely exact date of manufacture. I think Bert H is just showing off, while on here looking for LC Smiths to use for tomato stakes...[:0][:0][:0]

Bert H.

In regards to Winchester firearms, production of most models was not halted for WW II until well into the year 1942. Therefore, those that were manufactured prior to the temporary cessation to support WW II are considered to be "pre-war". In the case of the Model 42, pre-war production halted on December 3rd, 1942 at serial number 52108.

He Dog

The values in the Blue Book are mostly imaginary.

SP45

Thanks Bert I like direct/specific answers. My gun serial #515XX

Bert H.

Model 42 serial number 51520 was the last one manufactured on September 19th, 1942.

I do not know precisely when Winchester discontinued the 2 1/2" chambered guns, but I seem to remember it was shortly after WW II.

SP45

Were 3" chambers offered pre-war so that they would have been making both chambers during the same time frame

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by SP45
Were 3" chambers offered pre-war so that they would have been making both chambers during the same time frame


Yes. The 3-inch chamber was offered almost immediately after production began. The vast majority of the Model 42 shotguns were made with the 3-inch chamber, which is why there is a premium value for those with the 2 1/2-inch chamber.