Winchester Model 42 (Miroku) High Grade Limited Edition, Engraved Blue & Gold 26″ Slide/Pump Action Takedown Shotgun, MFD 1993

Sold For: $2,160.00

LSB#: 170121JB02

Make: Miroku in Japan, for Winchester

Model: 42 High Grade Limited Edition

Serial Number: WFT216, one of 850

Year of Manufacture: 1993 Only (http://bluebookofgunvalues.com/Gun_Values/Gun_Manufacturer_Model_Value.aspx?id=WINCHESTER_SHOTGUNS_SLIDE_ACTION_1964_CURRENT_MODEL_42_HIGH_GRADE_LIMITED_EDITION)

Gauge: .410, 2 ½ & 3” Shells

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 42-WINCHESTER-.410-3IN. FULL / TRADE MARK”, with a circled “WP” proof, found again on top of the receiver. The underside of the receiver and barrel extension are marked with the serial number, the underside of the magazine tube and extension have indexing arrows. The butt plate is marked “WINCHESTER / REPEATING ARMS CO.”

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Full (0.391″ at the muzzle)

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead in a base that is screwed into the ventilated rib, which meets at an extension slotted onto the receiver; the top is serrated and matted for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece extra fancy AAA feathered grain, gloss finished walnut set. The forend has double diamond and surrounding checkers on both flanks. The butt stock has flank checkers on the black metal capped pistol grip with a fluted comb and stunning grain flying rearward and an oblique pattern. The stock has some hand rubbing through the gloss finish on the left of the wrist, the surfaces of the stock only have a few tiny marks, most likely incurred in storage. Drop at heel is 1 ½”, drop at comb is 2 3/8”; the heel is slightly cast off, the toe remains near neutral. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the black checkered plastic butt plate; the plate has a few mild scuffs, rating in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with High Grade Scroll Engraving & Gold Bordering / Plated Trigger

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The muzzle has thinning, there are a few tiny scuffs on the underside of the barrel, top and under the receiver. Nominal operational wear is seen on the action arm. Overall, the metal to metal fit, finish and polishing are top notch. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are raised and crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action performs swiftly and smoothly, locking up tight with no ‘rattle’ to the internals. The shotgun takes down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: From http://winchestercollector.org/models/model-42-shotguns/ “Designed by William Roemer and introduced in 1933, the Model 42 Slide Action Shotgun was chambered exclusively for .410 gauge in 3? and 2-1/2? shells. The Model 42 was produced from 1933 thru 1963, with a production of about 160,000. Referred to as “Everybody’s Sweetheart”, variations include: Standard Grade, Deluxe Grade, Trap Grade, Skeet Grade and Pigeon Grade. Various chokes, barrel lengths, plain barrels, solid ribs, ventilated ribs, engraving patterns, and checkering patterns were offered.” This is a beautiful High Grade Limited Edition entry by Miroku, who arguably contends with most any brand out there, so highly esteemed, Browning’s company also had their High Grade classics remade by the company in the 1990’s. This shotgun does not look to have seen much use and is definitely eye catching. Only 850 were made in 1993 and unless you were lucky enough to get one then, another in this condition will probably not be seen for quite a while. Whether for hitting clays or illuminating your safe, it will not disappoint.