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Hello,
I recently inherited my fathers Model 42. It was his first gun and was given to him by my great grandfather. It’s a field grade with a full choke and it has led a full life of hunting as his companion trekking through hundreds of miles of the Florida outdoors. It has enough sentimental value to me that it is never leaving my possession and I couldn’t care less about the value.
What makes this gun a bit more interesting and the reason that I’m here asking for help is that it is serial number 165. I’ve been searching for more detailed production history on the early guns beyond obviously being made in 1933. I know the factory records are unavailable for the lower serial numbers, but I’m hoping someone might know roughly how many guns Winchester had rolling off the line per day/week/month when production was getting started and when in 1933 production actually began.
Any help, references, leads, ouija board derived answers, or mad ramblings from Winchester employees during the great depression would be appreciated.
Matt
Hello Matt,
Based on the information published by Ned Schwing in his reference book “The Winchester Model 42”, your shotgun would have been manufactured in early May, 1933. In total, there were 16,281 manufactured in the year 1933, but production did not begin until early May of that year.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
Thank you so much for the information. The book looks like an excellent resource and I’ll have to keep my eyes open for a copy on the used market around here. I’ve already purchased a copy of the A.A. Arnold manual for the Model 42 but do you have any further recommendations?
Thanks again,
Matt
Recently purchased the Schwing book on the Winchester Model 42.It is a great book.Well done, with lots of good information and pictures .
I have a late production Model 42 ,made in 1957.
Based on Ned’s book that’s a very early production gun. first month of first year. I bought two different early barrel sets this year. One is skeet and has a three digit serial #. I cant believe two different people separated a multi-barrel gun.
I have collected Superposed and model 12 for several years. I have come to love my recently acquired two 42’s and extra barrels just has much as my others. The family history is the best
Tommy Statham
#11445
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