Description
I was out on a friend’s property in the Ozarks, clearing a brush pile that had become a haven for snakes and small varmints. I wanted something light, versatile, and dead simple—a tool that could handle a .22 for precision and a .410 for close-up work without me having to carry two separate guns. That’s when the Savage 42 Takedown, 22WMR/410 Ga, Takedown Action, 20″ Bbl. earned its permanent spot in my truck. It’s the kind of gun that makes you wonder why more companies don’t build pure utility like this.
Here’s the thing—the Savage 42 is an over-under survival rifle. It’s a single-shot, break-action firearm with a .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire barrel stacked over a 3″ .410 bore shotgun barrel. The whole thing breaks down via a clever takedown system into a compact package that stows anywhere. At just over 6 pounds unloaded, it’s a featherweight companion for the woods, the farm, or the backcountry. It’s the definition of a no-fuss tool gun, and at $465.20, it delivers serious capability without a serious investment.
What Makes It Work
The genius is in the simplicity. You have two barrels, two triggers (front for .410, rear for .22 WMR), and a manual selector that lets you choose which barrel fires first. The takedown is the real star. A simple lever unlocks the action, and the barrel assembly separates from the stock in seconds. I’ve tossed the broken-down pieces in a backpack for hikes more times than I can count. Reassembly is just as fast and requires no tools or gunsmithing—it’s drop-in ready. The 20-inch barrels keep the overall profile handy, and the fiber-optic front sight is a bright, welcome touch for quick acquisition in varied light.
I’ve put a mix of .22 WMR and .410 shells through this, from birdshot to buckshot, and it’s consistently reliable. The .22 WMR barrel gives you legitimate small-game reach out to 100 yards, while the .410 handles everything from tin cans at 20 feet to dispatching pests in the barn. The stock is a basic, durable synthetic that fits out of the box for most adult shooters, and the whole package shrugs off the bumps and scrapes of field use. It’s compatible with a wide range of .410 ammo and .22 WMR from brands like CCI and Federal, giving you plenty of options.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber/Gauge | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire / .410 Bore (3″) |
| Action Type | Break-Action, Over-Under |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 36.5 Inches (Assembled) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Rear |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: Its unparalleled portability is the top sell. The takedown feature is brilliantly executed. The dual-caliber versatility from a single, lightweight platform is incredibly practical for a specific set of tasks. It’s simple to operate and clean. The price point is accessible for a niche firearm.
Cons: It’s a single-shot for each barrel, so follow-up shots require reloading. The triggers are functional but not target-grade. The .410, while useful, has limited range compared to a 20 or 12-gauge. It’s a specialist—don’t expect it to be your primary deer rifle or clay buster.
Who This Is For
This is for the Missouri landowner checking fence lines, the serious backpacker who wants a survival option that doesn’t weigh them down, or the trapper needing a compact dispatch tool. It’s a fantastic truck gun or a dedicated small-game harvester where switching between shot and a rimfire on the fly is a real advantage. If your needs are defined by utility, portability, and sheer rugged simplicity, this is your hitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How difficult is the takedown and reassembly process?
A: It’s one of the easiest I’ve used. Push the lever, separate the stock from the barrel group. Reassembly is literally aligning and clicking it back together. It takes seconds and is designed for field use without fuss.
Q: Can you fire both barrels at once?
A: No. The manual selector switch on the tang must be set to choose which barrel (top for .22 WMR or bottom for .410) fires when you pull the trigger. You fire one, then manually select the other if needed.
Q: Is the .22 WMR barrel rifled?
A: Yes, it’s a rifled barrel designed for .22 WMR ammunition. Do not fire .22 LR or other .22 calibers in it. Always use the correct, specified ammunition for safety and performance.
This is a purpose-built tool that excels at its job. If the description above fits your needs, you can find the Savage 42 Takedown available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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