I was looking at a local dealer's website recently and noticed that this had been added that day. I thought I really like the look of the rifle and I thought I should have it. So the next morning I was on the phone to him as soon as he opened the shop. I asked a few questions about the rifle and said I would have it. When I went to pick it up, he said he had had a few phone calls after mine about the rifle. For once I didn't snooze and lose.
It is a Mossberg Model 42M-B that was a lend-lease rifle that came to the UK in 1941. Most were sent back to the US after the war but this one stayed. It has no serial number or US property marks. It seems the first 2500 out of the first batch of 10,000 were not numbered, serial numbers started at 2501. So it would seem that this rifle is one of the first 2500 un-numbered rifles. I have had it to the range and it shoots well. I can't do justice to it as my eyes are not as good as they were. The hole in the aperture sight is tiny. I think it is in quite nice condition for a 74 year old rifle. A few pics.
The front sight has been altered I think. Where the slot is should be a blade and a ring sight so that either one can be raised into position. What is now the front sight integrated with the fixing screw should just be a screw, I think.
Mossberg No.4 Aperture sight. The hole is tiny.
The makers markings.
Overall, a nice rifle that I am glad to have.
Regards
Peter.
Mossberg M42-B
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Re: Mossberg M42-B
Lucky you Peter, looks excellent......
Duncan
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? -- W.C. Fields
"Many of those who enjoy freedom know little of its price."
You can't fix Stupid, but you can occasionally head it off before it hurts something.