i don't know if this is in the right section but here we go.
Can anyone give me some info on Mossberg 42M's?
A local pawn shop has two one with a peep sight and no mag.$250
and the other has a mag but no peep sight.$260
This is the first time I have seen these and need some history on these rifles.
Thanks.

There are others much more knowledgeable than me on this subject but I will toss this out. Based on the current edition of "Modern Gun values" a 42M in excellent condition is valued at $120, very good $100, good, $75. This would be a firearm complete in every way. I purchased a 42M many years ago for $25 at a pawn shop.

Hope that is of some help. Someone more experienced will be along I am sure and provide more info.

Larry

I thought that sounded a little high.
That place always has their stuff priced two or three times the actual value.

Those book values seem quite low.
I gladly paid $325.00 for a 42M four years ago from a member here.
The one I bought has both US property stamps & British proofs.
It is stocked in walnut.
The 42M is a great rifle.
Is the rifle stamped with "US Property" ?
Some were, & many of those served in England as trainers.
Does it have a Mossberg, Lyman, or Parker Hale rear peep sight?
Does it have a steel buttplate with a trap door, or is the buttplate plastic?
Does it have the multiple post front sight with protective hood?
You can always offer much less than the price he wants.
Magazines are available from Havlin Sales or Numrich gun parts.
I actually have two Mossberg 42M rifles. The other is a late 42M(c) that looks new & unfired.
I paid the same as my other one. It has the trap door with two magazines.
Both have the correct rear peep sights , rear sights & multi-front sights with hood.
It is stocked in birch.

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I think that the price sounds high. If it were complete, I'd say go for it. Magazines are about $35 to replace, but when you talk about replacing sights, especially rear peep sights, your talking about upwards of $100, maybe more, just for the part. Sometimes front sights for these rifles are very scarce as well, and expensive. On the other hand, old Mossberg .22's are great shooters, and have excellent stocks (some have walnut stocks, and some wartime production have beech). If you could get him to sell at $200, that is more realistic.

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"Don't let the bast@#$s grind you down."
Gen. 'Vinegar' Joe Stilwel

Post your question here:

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/fo ... y.php?f=51

These guys have forgotten more about Mossberg's then you will ever learn. Jim

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The truest joy to be found in shooting is simply to shoot a little bit better than the guy sitting at the next bench. Or a LOT better depending on how much more his rifle cost than yours.

I am heading down there tommorow and I will check it out better.
I was in a hurry last time and the store was packed with people looking at guitars.
I will get the info tommorow.

This is a very informative site.
http://home.epix.net/~damguy/index.html
I have a couple of these myself, a 42M-B and a 42M-C. The B is US Property marked and British proofed, it is a Lend-Lease rifle that was returned in original shape except the S100 rear sight was replaced by the British with a PH16D. I shoot it in our clubs rimfire matches and it is very accurate.

Good looking rifle GUTS along with being a good shooter

Very cool Guts. I have the same 42m-b but the stock was cut down and a Weaver 4x32 is mounted. It to is a very good shooter and it's cool to own a little piece of history. The price was right too as it was handed down from my wifes side of the family.