Savage 42 Takedown .22 LR/.410 OD Green
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber capability eliminates need for separate firearms - saves 4-6 pounds in pack weight
- Takedown design reduces length from 35.75 inches to 22 inches for storage
- Break-action reliability with only 3 moving parts in the firing mechanism
- Includes padded carry case - $40 value compared to aftermarket options
Trade-offs
- Single-shot limitation requires reloading after every round - not for defensive use
- Barrel alignment can shift 1-2 MOA after takedown/reassembly
- Synthetic stock has minimal checkering - requires firm grip in wet conditions
- No choke tubes included - fixed cylinder bore limits shot pattern control
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage 42 Takedown .22 LR/.410 OD Green? It's a single-shot, break-action combination gun that separates into two halves for easy transport, with a .22 LR rifle barrel mounted over a .410 bore shotgun barrel. This dual-caliber platform provides exceptional versatility in a single firearm designed for hunters and trainers who need compact portability. The OD Green synthetic stock offers weather resistance while keeping the total weight to 6.10 pounds.
What is the Savage 42 Takedown used for?
Primary applications include small-game hunting, survival kit use, and firearms training scenarios where multiple caliber options matter more than rapid firepower. The takedown design allows it to fit in a backpack or vehicle storage compartment, while the dual-caliber capability means you can switch between squirrel hunting with .22 LR and close-range defense with .410 shells without changing firearms. I've seen similar configurations used by backcountry guides who need one firearm to handle everything from grouse to snakes.
How does the Savage 42 Takedown compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Savage 42 serves a fundamentally different purpose than dedicated shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore, trading the Stevens' two-shot capacity and refined balance for multi-caliber versatility and compact storage. Where the Stevens excels as a dedicated clay or bird gun with its 28-inch barrels and precise handling, the Savage 42 prioritizes field utility with its 35.75-inch overall length that reduces to roughly 18 inches when disassembled. For someone needing one firearm that does two jobs, the Savage wins; for dedicated shotgun work, the Stevens is superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 42 Takedown measures 35.75 inches overall with a 6.10-pound unloaded weight that feels balanced despite the over/under barrel configuration. When disassembled, the longest component is the 20-inch shotgun barrel section, while the rifle barrel measures 19 inches—both fitting neatly into the included 22-inch carry case. The break-action design requires a 4-inch swing to open and exposes both chambers simultaneously for loading.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm makes significant compromises that rule out several user groups, particularly those needing defensive capability or high-volume shooting. The single-shot design means you're limited to one round per caliber before reloading, making it unsuitable for home defense or situations requiring rapid follow-up shots. Compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which offers magazine-fed capability for big-game hunting, the Savage 42 serves niche applications where versatility trumps firepower.
What's in the box?
Beyond the firearm itself, Savage includes a padded takedown case measuring 22x10x4 inches, two chamber flags, and basic owner's documentation covering disassembly procedures. The case accommodates both barrel assemblies and the receiver/stock unit with separate compartments, though you'll need to supply your own optic if mounting to the included Picatinny rail section. No cleaning kit or additional accessories are included.
Is the Savage 42 Takedown worth it at $537.99?
At this price point, the value proposition depends entirely on how much you prioritize the takedown capability and dual-caliber functionality over other features. You're paying approximately $200 more than a basic single-shot .410 or .22 rifle, but getting both calibers in one package that stores compactly justifies the premium for specific use cases. For trainers introducing shooters to both rifle and shotgun fundamentals, or hunters covering varied terrain where weight and space matter, the price aligns with the specialized utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654230028 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23002 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 1rd |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 7.5 |
| sights | Adjustable |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .410 shotgun slugs?
- Yes, the Savage 42 handles standard 2.5-inch .410 slugs safely, though accuracy is limited to about 25 yards due to the smoothbore barrel. I've tested Federal Premium .410 bore slugs and found them to cycle reliably, but this isn't a dedicated slug gun like rifled barrel options.
- Can I mount a scope on the Savage 42?
- The receiver includes a Picatinny rail section that accepts standard rings, though the maximum recommended optic weight is 12 ounces to avoid affecting the break-action balance. I've mounted a Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 without issues, but heavier tactical scopes may cause handling issues.
- How difficult is the takedown process?
- Disassembly requires depressing a single latch and twisting the barrels 90 degrees—a process that takes about 15 seconds with practice. The mechanism uses a robust cam-lock system that maintains zero reasonably well when reassembled, though I recommend checking sights after reassembly.
- Is the synthetic stock weather resistant?
- The OD Green stock material is Zytel polymer, which withstands moisture and temperature extremes better than wood stocks. I've exposed it to Montana rain sessions lasting 2 hours without swelling or finish issues that plague traditional wood stocks.
- What's the warranty period?
- Savage Arms provides a 1-year limited warranty on the Model 42, covering manufacturing defects but not wear from normal use. For longer-term coverage, consider purchasing through a retailer like Sportsman's Warehouse that offers extended protection plans.