[Oli]

Hi folks! I have been lurking around these parts for a bit, reading all your valuable insight and information for which I am very grateful, but I had a post block going on while I waited for this rifle to show up. I am into bolt actions, with 4 Mosin Nagants and a little Glenfield Model 20 with a loose bolt handle.
Because of the handle I started hunting for another bolt .22 and I happened upon this little Western Field on GB. After a little research I became quite excited, and I hope a Monkey Wards doesn't offend any Mossberg purists.

I really would like to do something with the sling, but it is in pretty bad shape. I am also very tempted to take the cheap scope off along with the mount and play with the open sights for a bit. The mount looks roughly contemporary to the rifle or shortly thereafter. It has N2 stamped on it, but no other marks I can see. I am also curious to see how it shoots with 1970's optics, on the other hand.
I just love the history in this rifle, and the lovely brown patina that came with it. And for the record, it wasn't $200.

 

[lornedavis]

You have a Moss. model 42C, made 1938-42. From the bolt style I think yours was made towards '38 rather then later. The 497B is not a serial number but part of Wards model number, as in 14M 497B. Moss. never serialed their rifles till it was required by law in 1968. Many manufacturers did the same with their .22's. You are missing a peep sight, the mount is a Weaver and extra holes have been D&T for it, a common practice. The trap door originally had an extra magazine which was supplied with the rifle. No one will be "offended", it is a Moss. afterall!

 

[Solddaboat]

The 14M = Wards 1941 model year

 

[lornedavis]

Where did you come up with the 1941 date. I must be missing a list. I show a Wards 497 (only 497) as a Moss 42C. Wards had them from 39 thru 41. Total 21,833. The flat back bolt style was still in use in 41-42 so my statement that rifle made closer to 38 is incorrect. Just curious how you know?

 

[Oli]

Awesome info guys, thanks! I knew the 497B was part of the model number but had no idea of the year other than 1940-44. I am surprised they didn't keep it in the family considering the circumstances under which it was acquired. I'll just have to keep it in mine!

 

[Solddaboat]

Where did you come up with the 1941 date. I must be missing a list. I show a Wards 497 (only 497) as a Moss 42C. Wards had them from 39 thru 41. Total 21,833. The flat back bolt style was still in use in 41-42 so my statement that rifle made closer to 38 is incorrect. Just curious how you know?

From Wards/Mossberg cross reference #895 looks to have been printed around early/mid 1941 but is not copyrite dated.

Models 93M = 1939, 04M = 1940, 14M = 1941

It shows the following actual year references in the notes section.

It shows the 1937 Mossberg model 42C as a Wards 46CS & 46D

It shows the 1937 Mossberg model 42 as a Wards 45, 45A, 46 and 46A

It shows the 1937 Mossberg model 42A as a Wards 45B, 45C and 46C

It does not specifically show any 1938 models in the comments

It shows the 1939 Mossberg model 42C as 93M-497A
It shows the 1939 Mossberg model 42B as 93M-497B

It does not note 04M-497A or 14M-497A but does show other 04M and 14M models

 

[Oli]

I just noticed that the front sight says "Dockendorff" on it. I believe that is an aftermarket front sight. Am I correct on this, or is it part of the Montgomery Wards package?

 

[Solddaboat]

Aftermarket sight... Wards had their own WWF Scopes and some scope mounts, but used Mossberg sights..

 

[lornedavis]

I have that list and cannot see where you get your onfo from it. In the first place you need the whole number to tell what rifle it is---as in 14M 497B---and the 497B seems to be the important one as it is not repeated (in a few cases it is but seems to be for same model gun). However the 14M is used for the M-50 .22 and so is the 04M. The 04M is also used for two 20 ga. shotguns along with the 93M- 2 shotguns (same model, 1 w/full choke). Only one of these is dated, a 93M in 39. 04M is also used for some M-26, 46B,45B. 14M-497B is listed on danguy site as a 42M, 93M 497B is a 42C! Go figure! The catalog numbers (used to locate the items in a wherehouse) and the model number evidently were combined as a model number (on barrel). But I think the second, catalog number? (I would call this the model number), was the more telling of the two. The first number/letter are all over the place on different type guns!
We never have seen a picture of the front of the gun---maybe damguy is correct, its a 42M? Maybe the stock extension was removed? Is there a hole on bottom of barrel under frnt sight? Couple more pics would clear this up. Another thing. I have seen few 42 models with walnut stocks and none with a trap door! Also sight cut out does not look right for a #4. Swevils are not original and upper is placed too close to magazine. Model 42C & D had did not have master action either, did they?

 

[Oli]

No holes in the barrel, or apparent modification to the front of the stock. I was surprised when I received the rifle since my understanding was that the Montgomery Wards version lacked the mag storage and the "good wood".
I found an interesting sling on eBay for it as well.

Sorry for the poor lighting, I got home after dark today.

 

[lornedavis]

The front of stock has been modified, no Moss. had a stock end with that shape and the swevil is too far back, and also not Moss. No hole under barrel so no M model extension on stock, unless barrel was shortened which it does not look like. The "Master action came out in 1937, which yours is, however yours is the 3rd variation (bolt handle shape). Your bolt handled Master Action came out in 1940, as did the bolt cover. The stocks were hardwood, according to catalog. This was also the first year for the 42M, genuine walnut stock and trap door butt. What is you barrel length? If a 42 should be 24", if a 42M 23". I do not know what it is really, but do not think it is a plain model 42, too many modifcations to tell really. (measure barrel with a cleaning rod, muzzle to closed face of bolt) I have a Wards 42, it is marked NO. 45, does have a walnut stock with a semi-beavertail forearm, my son has the same but a Moss. 42. No such walnut stocks show in any Moss. catalogs, altho we do not have a 1939 or 41. Your rear peep cut out has also been modified, probably for after market site.
I do think none of the 'cross over' lists are absolutly correct, some don't even agree with each other and seem to give incomplete model numbers.

 

[Oli]

It is 24", so plain 42 apparently. They did a really good job finishing the peep cutout it is neat and very smooth. Any chance someone changed the stock at some point? It has a chip in it and looks light underneath the stain, but has walnut like grain too.

 

[lornedavis]

I thought about some one changing stock but a early 42, before the Master action, would not fit in a 42M stock, I don't think. So your 42 would have to be made in 1940-41, then it would fit. I do believe the stock was a 42M stock because of trap door. In June of 1941 production of the 42MB started for the US Lead Lease program to England, so any M-42 rifle would have been made early in 1941. The bolt stye looks like 1941 with that 'cone' shape back. Moss got several war contracts for items, such as .45 pistol barrels, prototypes, for shot shells. And the 44US with the S-100 sight, designed for that contract.

You should consider joining the Moss collectors club, 20 bucks a year with quarterly news letters, lots of info. And there is Vic Havlins book on Moss. still less then 30 bucks I believe. e-mail [email protected] for either and any parts you may need.

 

[Oli]

Thank you for all the info. I appreciate having a better in-depth knowledge of this rifle and a bit of its history. I am sure I will enjoy it for a long time to come.