Savage 42 Takedown .22 WMR / .410 20″ Combo
About this product
What is the Savage 42 Takedown .22 WMR / .410 20″ Combo? It's a break-action, takedown over-and-under firearm pairing a top .22 Winchester Magnum rifle barrel with a bottom .410 bore shotgun barrel in a single, ultra-portable package. Designed for compact transport and versatile field use, it utilizes a simple, reliable break-action mechanism and a 20-inch carbon steel barrel set. The Savage 42 fills a specific niche for the shooter who demands one tool capable of dispatching small game with a rifle round and deploying a defensive or hunting shotgun pattern, all while fitting into a vehicle console or backpack.
What is the Savage 42 Takedown used for?
The Savage 42 is used for ultimate versatility in a survival, truck, or trail gun role where space and weight are critical constraints. Its primary function is to provide two distinct ballistic solutions—a .22 WMR rifle for small game and varmints out to 125 yards and a .410 shotgun for close-range birds, snakes, or defensive use with shotshells—without the bulk of carrying two separate firearms. It's best deployed for perimeter checks at a remote camp, stowed in an ATV, or as a minimalist hunting companion when you need to adapt to different game on the same outing.
How does the Savage 42 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting .410?
The Savage 42 is a dedicated utilitarian combo gun, while the Stevens 555 Sporting over/under in .410 is a specialized shotgun focused purely on wingshooting sports. The key difference is the Savage includes a rifled .22 WMR barrel, offering a precise rifle shot, whereas the Stevens 555 is chambered only in .410/.45 LC, making it a more refined choice for clay targets but useless against small game beyond shotgun range. For pure sporting clays, the Stevens 555 with its 28-inch barrels is superior; for a do-it-all survival tool, the Savage 42's rifle capability makes it the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 42 weighs approximately 6 pounds empty and measures 35.75 inches in overall length when assembled. With the simple push-button takedown activated, the unit separates into a 20-inch barrel assembly and a receiver/stock module, reducing its longest packaged dimension to just over 20 inches to fit in the included 22-inch Go Bag. This package size is critical: it allows the entire firearm to be stowed in spaces like a heavy-duty backpack's main compartment or a vehicle's under-seat storage locker, a feature impossible with a standard full-length 308 rifle like the Stevens 334.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for the high-volume recreational shooter, the dedicated wingshooter, or anyone seeking a precision or long-range platform. The break-action design limits you to one shot per barrel before reloading, making it unsuitable for follow-up shots on moving game or any scenario requiring rapid fire. The .410 bore, while versatile with specific ammunition, has limited effective range and pellet count compared to a 12 or 20 gauge. If your primary use case is sustained target practice, hunting waterfowl, or defending a fixed position, a pump-action shotgun or a dedicated semi-auto rifle is a far more appropriate tool.
What's in the box?
You receive the Savage 42 Takedown firearm, a single-button takedown tool (integrated into the forend), and a branded Bug Out/Uncle Mike's Go Bag designed for storage and transport. The firearm ships from the factory without any optics installed, but the receiver is already drilled and tapped to accept a standard Savage scope base (sold separately), and the adjustable rifle sights are mounted on the .22 WMR barrel. Notably absent are any cleaning tools, a scope base, or additional choke tubes for the .410 barrel, which is a fixed cylinder bore.
Is the Savage 42 worth it at $537.99?
At $537.99, the Savage 42's worth is entirely contingent on your need for its specific dual-caliber, takedown format. You are paying a premium for the engineering convenience of two barrels in one receiver and the takedown mechanism, not for high-end fit, finish, or trigger quality. If you require a single, ultra-compact tool for scenarios where you might need both a rifle and a shotgun—like backcountry trapline checking or as a designated emergency vehicle kit gun—then the price is justified. If you only need one of those capabilities, buying a dedicated .22 rifle or a compact 20-gauge like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact will be more cost-effective and perform better for that singular role.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Takedown design reduces longest dimension to ~20 inches—fits in vehicle console or backpack
- Dual .22 WMR & .410 chambering provides two distinct ballistic solutions in one 6 lb package
- Receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for Savage scope bases (sold separately)
- Synthetic stock and nitride finish require minimal maintenance in field conditions
Trade-offs
- Break-action gives only one shot per barrel—impossible rapid follow-ups
- .410 barrel is fixed cylinder choke, limiting effective shotgun range & patterning
- Synthetic stock has noticeable flex and hollow feel—not comparable to a walnut stock
- Factory trigger pull measured consistently heavy at 6.5-7 lbs
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 062654224355 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 22435 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore | 22 Magnum |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49 |
| model | 42 Takedown |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Combo |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 7.7 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .410 shotshells?
- Yes, the bottom barrel chambers standard 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shotshells. The fixed cylinder bore choke is optimal for defensive loads like 000 Buckshot (typically 5 pellets) or rifled slugs, but will produce a wide, less dense pattern with standard birdshot compared to a choked barrel. Always verify chamber length before firing.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When disassembled via its takedown feature, the major components will fit in most compact rifle cases or a large backpack. The longest component is the 20-inch barrel assembly. For reference, the included Uncle Mike's Go Bag is approximately 22 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, which is a good benchmark for compatible storage.
- How long does shipping take?
- Since this is an 'Online Only' item, standard processing and shipping to an FFL dealer typically takes 5-7 business days after order verification, plus transit time which varies by carrier and location. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) for the mandatory background check and transfer, which adds 1-2 business days for dealer processing upon arrival.
- Can I return it if I change my mind?
- Due to federal regulations (ATF 4473), firearms cannot be returned to a non-licensed individual once the transfer is complete at your FFL. If the firearm is defective, you must contact the manufacturer (Savage Arms) directly for warranty service. Always inspect the firearm thoroughly with your FFL before completing the transfer paperwork, as that is your final point of refusal.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- The .22 WMR barrel is not threaded from the factory, so direct suppressor attachment is not possible without aftermarket gunsmithing to cut and thread the muzzle (approx. 1/2x28 thread pitch). This modification would cost roughly $150-$200 and may affect warranty coverage. The .410 barrel, being smoothbore, is generally not suitable for suppression with standard shotshells.