[Uncle Tom]

I have inherited a 28" Winchester Model 42 manufactured in 1955 and in excellent condition. It is choked "Full" according to the barrel markings. I'm a skeet/SC guy not a hunter. I would like advice on whether to have the choke opened up to Skeet or at least IC. Opinions please -- is this an OK idea or have I really damaged a vintage gun that should be saved? No right answer of course, but I'd like to hear from some of you vets.

[stalkingbear]

Yes,you will lower collector's value. If you are SURE you want to permanently modify this particular shotgun as a shooter,then go ahead. That's the only way you're going to enjoy it even tho I can hear some purists gritting their teeth already. The reason I say it should be ok is since it was inherited,You're probably never even think of selling it anyway.

[Txhillbilly]

If I were you,I would try to find a used barrel with the choke you want or buy a used barrel and have it modified to the choke of your choice,or for that matter have a Win-choke screw in setup installed into a used barrel and leave the original barrel alone. That way you will not ruin the collectors value of the gun. Model 42's are hard to come by these days.
A standard grade in excellent cond is worth around $1500.00 according to my gun value book. THB