I picked up what was advertised as a “skeet” model 42 at auction last week. It is pristine with only wear showing on mag tube from action being cycled and even that is not much. I think I may have a factory original Deluxe on my hands as opposed to the skeet version. Here are the features of the gun I purchased: 26″ barrel, skeet choke, elevated rib with no simmons markings, proof marks on receiver and barrel offset to the left of rib, double diamond checkering on fore stock, single checker on pistol grip, engraving (Pattern #5?), jeweled receiver and bolt. the front bead looks like a little white caterpillar
The wood is without a mark and metal is all but perfect. The milling marks still inside receiver make it appear as unfired. serial number in the 144,xxx range. from what I understand this range puts in the time frame of factory installed ribs. (advertised as skeet model with factory installed rib) Not certain if this is the case, may have read it on this site.
Are there any other features that could prove it to be a deluxe? Any I have mentioned that prove it is not? so far it appears to be a deluxe or the best fake on the planet. any help appreciated.
Thank you!
C
The front sight is a familiar Simmons add on. It’s very difficult to authenticate or disqualify a gun without seeing it in person. I will say I’ve seen many more fakes in the last 30 years than real guns. There used to be a guy in Michigan selling reproduction wood for 42’s and model 12’s with skeet and double diamond checkering patterns for both models. I went to an auction a couple of months ago that listed a 42 Deluxe. It wasn’t even close but had more than a few bidders fooled. I hope you found the real deal and enjoy it!
Chris
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