Description
I remember the first time I saw a Savage Model 42 Takedown Cpct 22lr/410 Bl/sy in the field. A buddy of mine had it slung over his shoulder on a squirrel hunt, and I was immediately struck by its clever, practical design. It wasn’t just another gun; it was a tool built for a specific, versatile purpose. Here’s the thing—in a world of specialized firearms, the Model 42 asks a simple question: why carry two guns when one can do the job of both?
The Savage Model 42 Takedown Cpct 22lr/410 Bl/sy is a break-action, over-under combination gun. It features a .22 Long Rifle barrel on top and a .410 bore shotgun barrel underneath, allowing you to switch between rimfire precision and scattergun utility with a simple selector. This takedown model separates for easy transport and storage, making it an incredibly compact and adaptable tool for small game, pest control, and survival scenarios.
Let’s talk about the takedown feature first, because it’s the heart of this gun’s charm. A simple lever lets you separate the barrel assembly from the receiver and stock. I’ve broken mine down and stowed it in a backpack more times than I can count. It turns a full-length firearm into a package that’s barely longer than your forearm, perfect for tossing in a truck console or a bug-out bag without drawing attention. The whole process requires no gunsmithing required—it’s a tool-less operation you can do in seconds, which speaks volumes about its field-ready design.
The dual-caliber capability is where the real magic happens. The manual selector on the hammer lets you choose which barrel fires first. Stalking a rabbit in thick brush? Lead with the .410. Spot a squirrel perched on a limb 30 yards out? Flip the selector and take the precise .22 LR shot. The single-shot design forces deliberate aim, and the exposed hammer is a clear, tactile safety indicator. With an overall length of just 36.5 inches when assembled, it handles like a dream in tight quarters.
I’ve put hundreds of rounds of cheap .22 LR and a variety of .410 shells through my Model 42. It’s not a target rifle, but it’s plenty accurate for its intended range, and the shotgun barrel patterns predictably with 2.5″ or 3″ shells. The synthetic stock is durable and shrugs off weather, and the blued finish is classic and functional. At a weight of 5.75 lbs, it’s light enough for all-day carrying, even for younger shooters you might be mentoring.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber/Gauge | .22 LR & .410 Bore (3″) |
| Action | Break-Action, Over/Under |
| Capacity | 1 Round Each Barrel |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 36.5 Inches (Assembled) |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: incredible versatility in a compact, simple package. The takedown feature is genuinely useful, not a gimmick. It’s affordable to feed and teaches fundamental marksmanship. The cons? It’s a single-shot, so follow-up shots require reloading. The sights are basic, and the exposed hammer might feel old-fashioned to some. But that’s missing the point. This gun excels at being a specific, reliable tool, not a do-everything range toy.
Who is this for?
This is the perfect truck gun, farm gun, or camp gun for Missouri outdoorsmen. It’s ideal for the hunter who wants to be prepared for anything from snakes to squirrels without lugging a full arsenal. It’s a fantastic first firearm for a young hunter under supervision, teaching safety and shot selection. It’s also a brilliant, no-fuss survival tool. For the price of $439.53, you get two very capable tools in one rugged, simple package that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you use .22 Magnum in this rifle barrel?
A: No. The barrel is specifically chambered for .22 Long Rifle only. Using .22 WMR (Magnum) in this chamber is unsafe and must be avoided. Stick to standard .22 LR, .22 Long, or .22 Short ammunition.
Q: How difficult is the takedown and reassembly process?
A: It’s remarkably simple. Push the takedown lever, separate the barrel group from the stock/receiver, and you’re done. Reassembly is just as easy—align and snap together. It’s designed for field use, not complicated gunsmithing.
Q: What’s the effective range for each barrel?
A: For the .22 LR barrel, think small game out to 50-75 yards with good ammo. The .410 barrel is effective on pests and small game like rabbits within 25-30 yards, especially with specialized loads like #6 or #7.5 shot. It’s not a long-range turkey gun.
If the idea of a simple, rugged, and wildly versatile takedown gun that can handle both fur and feather has piqued your interest, this Savage Model 42 deserves a close look. Check its availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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