1952 Winchester Model 42

This Winchester Model 42 is a classic example of "Everybody’s Sweetheart" with some period-correct custom upgrades. While the Simmons rib and Pachmayr pad make it a specialized shooter rather than a factory-original collector piece, the Dub Stanley provenance adds a unique touch of custom gunsmithing history.

Winchester Model 42 Custom Field Grade

• Year of Manufacture: 1952. (SN: 149544). This is a late-production, "pre-64" model from the height of Winchester’s quality control era.
• Gauge/Chamber: .410 Bore, chambered for 3" shells.  

• Barrel: 26" barrel with a Fixed Full choke. This is the ideal setup for tight-patterning shots on doves or squirrels.
• Simmons Ventilated Rib: This is an aftermarket addition. In the 1950s and 60s, Simmons was the gold standard for adding ribs to plain-barrel Winchesters. While it technically lowers "purist" collector value, it significantly improves the sight plane and "shootability" of the gun.
• Dub Stanley Medallion Grip Cap: Dub Stanley was a noted gunsmith and stock maker. Seeing his medallion on the pistol grip cap suggests the stock may have been custom-fitted or refinished by him, adding a layer of craftsmanship often found in high-end skeet guns of that period.
• LOP & Recoil Pad: 13 ¾" LOP to a Pachmayr White Line pad. This is a slightly shorter-than-standard LOP, likely tailored for a specific shooter or for use while wearing a heavy hunting jacket.

Description

The Ultimate Small-Bore Shooter: 1952 Winchester Model 42 .410

Own a piece of American shotgunning history with this beautifully appointed Winchester Model 42. Manufactured in 1952, this .410 pump-action is a scaled-down version of the legendary Model 12, offering the same slick, bank-vault "shuck-shuck" action in a lightweight, nimble frame.  

This particular Model 42 has been thoughtfully upgraded for the field and the range. It features a 26-inch barrel choked Full, topped with a professionally installed Simmons Ventilated Rib for an enhanced sight picture. The pistol grip is adorned with a Dub Stanley Medallion, a hallmark of quality custom work from a bygone era of gunsmithing.

Whether you’re chasing quail in the brush or looking for a sophisticated clay-breaker, this Model 42 provides the perfect balance of vintage Winchester soul and practical performance upgrades.

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