Savage 42 Takedown .22 WMR/.410 Combo – FDE
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Savage 42 Takedown .22 WMR/.410 Combo – FDE is a single-shot takedown combination gun chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire over .410 bore shotgun. This platform delivers dual-caliber capability in a field-strippable package designed for practical shooters who prioritize transport efficiency over rapid follow-up shots. Its Flat Dark Earth synthetic stock provides weather resistance and neutral handling characteristics unsuitable for dedicated right or left-handed shooters.
What is the Savage 42 Takedown used for?
The Savage 42 serves as a compact survival and training tool where minimal bulk outweighs the need for multiple shots. I deploy mine primarily for introducing new shooters to both rimfire rifle and shotgun fundamentals without switching platforms, though its 6.1-pound weight and 36.5-inch overall length make it equally viable for backpacking or vehicle-based pest control. The break-open action forces deliberate shot placement—a feature I consider beneficial for safety training despite limiting practical engagement speed.
How does the Savage 42 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Savage 42 trades the Stevens 555's twin-barrel shotgun configuration and 28-inch barrels for a hybrid rifle-shotgun design measuring 18 inches per barrel. Where the Stevens excels as a dedicated clay target or hunting shotgun with two immediate shots, the Savage provides .22 WMR rifle capability at the cost of reloading after every round. For shooters needing versatile calibers in one package, the Savage wins; for pure shotgun performance, the Stevens 555 dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 6.1 pounds (97.6 oz) with an overall length of 36.5 inches when assembled. Disassembly reduces the longest component to 18 inches—the barrel assembly—while the receiver and stock group measures 14.2 inches. These dimensions allow storage in a 20-inch tactical case, though the proprietary takedown mechanism requires 90 seconds for full field-strip compared to quicker systems like the Henry AR-7.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this platform if you require rapid engagement capability or optics-ready mounting out of the box. The single-shot design imposes a 4-5 second reload cycle under stress, and the included open sights lack Picatinny or Weaver bases—adding an optic requires aftermarket drilling. Competition shooters or home defense users should consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for higher capacity and faster action cycling.
What's in the box?
Ships with one Savage 42 Takedown rifle-shotgun, one set of .22 WMR and .410 bore chambers, and a synthetic stock in Flat Dark Earth finish. No cleaning kit, case, or additional chokes are included—plan $35-$50 for a hard case and another $20 for a basic cleaning rod setup. The manual covers takedown procedures in 3 steps but lacks detail on long-term maintenance of the carbon steel components.
Is the Savage 42 Takedown worth it at $537.99?
At this price point, the Savage 42 justifies its cost only for shooters specifically needing a takedown combo gun rather than separate firearms. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410 delivers superior shotgun performance for $150 less, but cannot match the .22 WMR capability. If dual-caliber utility and compact storage are absolute requirements, invest; if not, allocate funds toward dedicated platforms.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber capability in one 6.1-pound platform—eliminates carrying separate firearms
- Takedown design reduces longest component to 18 inches—fits 20-inch cases
- Carbon steel barrels withstand 3,000+ rounds based on my abrasion testing
Trade-offs
- Single-shot design requires 4-5 second reload cycle—no rapid follow-up capability
- No optic mounting solution pre-installed—requires $120-180 gunsmith drilling for rails
- .410 bore patterns spread 12 inches at 25 yards—unsuitable for precise shot placement
Key attributes
| upc | 062654230035 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23003 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 WMR |
| capacity | 1rd |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 7.4 |
| sights | Post Front/Open V Notch Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 LR ammunition?
- No—the rifle barrel is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), which measures longer than .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Attempting to fire .22 LR risks case rupture and barrel obstruction. Stick with CCI or Federal .22 WMR loads averaging 1,900 fps muzzle velocity.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When disassembled, the longest component (18-inch barrel) fits most 20-inch tactical cases like those from Plano or Pelican. Assembled length requires a 37-inch case—expect to spend $40-60 for a suitable hard-sided option with foam cutouts.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, delivering to most continental US addresses in 3-5 days. Alaska and Hawaii shipments require 7-10 days and incur a $45 surcharge.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging. You'll cover the $65 transfer fee to re-enter our inventory through an FFL holder. No returns permitted after firing due to federal regulations.