The survival gun category is a crowded one, often filled with minimalist single shots or wire-stocked rimfires. The Savage Model 42 Takedown attempts to bridge the gap by offering a versatile over-under combination that gives you both a rimfire rifle and a .410 shotgun in one package. While it inherits the spirit of the legendary Savage 24 (review here), the Model 42 is a modern, plastic take on the concept.
Overview
The Model 42 Takedown is a break-action combo gun designed for portability. With the push of a single button on the forend, the 20 inch barrels separate from the receiver, allowing the whole package to fit into a discrete carry bag. Our test model is chambered in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) on top and .410 (3 inch chamber) on the bottom.
Specifications
- Action: Break-action, over-under
- Caliber: .22 WMR / .410 (3″ chamber)
- Barrel Length: 20 inches
- Overall Length: 35.75 inches
- Weight: 6.1 lbs
- Sights: Adjustable open sights or rail for red dot/scope
- MSRP: Approximately $750 CAD
Usability
In the field, the Model 42 is a bit of a mixed bag. The takedown process is fast, intuitive, and arguably the best feature of the gun. The action release is also surprisingly smooth, making it easy to pop the gun open for a reload.
However, the modern materials come with some trade-offs. The barrel selector on the hammer and the manual extractor both feel cheap and cheesy. For a gun at this price point, you expect a more robust tactile experience.
Performance-wise, the .22 WMR barrel was a pleasant surprise. Despite the basic sights, we saw accuracy around 0.75 inches at 50 yards, which is more than enough for small game.
Reliability Concerns
We did run into a significant hurdle during testing: Failure to Fire (FTF) issues with the .22 WMR barrel. The hammer strikes were consistently too light to ignite the rimfire primers on several rounds. I saw this come up online for others. For a survival-style firearm where “one shot counts,” this lack of out-of-the-box reliability is a concern.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
Because the Model 42 is a niche product, the aftermarket is relatively slim compared to something like a Ruger 10/22.
- Optics: You can pop a red dot or scope on the gun.
- Sling: It comes with swivel studs, so a standard two-point sling is a must-have for carry.
Competitors
- Chiappa Double Badger (review here): Often seen as the direct rival. It offers a similar .22 WMR / .410 combo but uses a folding design rather than a complete takedown. Many find the Chiappa’s wood-and-steel construction feels less “toy-like” than the Savage.
- Chiappa Little Badger: Much cheaper and lighter, but you lose the shotgun barrel and the robustness of a full stock.
- The Used Market (Savage 24 – review here: If you can find an original Savage 24, you get a much more solid, albeit heavier, firearm. However, prices on these have skyrocketed lately.
Conclusion
At roughly $750 CAD, the Savage Model 42 Takedown feels overpriced for what you are getting. While the takedown feature is slick and the accuracy is there, the “cheap” feeling of the controls and the reliability issues with the hammer strikes make it hard to recommend at full retail. It is a versatile tool for a truck gun or a camp kit, but it needs a bit more refinement from the factory to truly earn its keep.
