Savage 42 Takedown Break-Open Combination Gun
Pros & cons
What works
- Breaks down to 19.8-inch components - 45% shorter than assembled length
- Weighs 6.10 lbs - 1.2 lbs lighter than comparable combination guns
- Tool-free takedown in under 15 seconds with practice
- Ambidextrous controls accommodate left-handed shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- Single-shot capacity requires 8-10 second reload cycle under ideal conditions
- No included carrying case or cleaning tools - adds $50-100 to true cost
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull - fixed at 13.75 inches
- Break-action requires manual extraction of spent shells - slows follow-up shots
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage 42 Takedown Break-Open Combination Gun? It's a single-shot break-action firearm that separates into two components for compact transport, weighing 6.10 pounds with an overall length of 35.75 inches when assembled. Designed for hunters and outdoorsmen who prioritize mechanical simplicity and field-transport convenience, this firearm combines rifle and shotgun functionality in a takedown platform that disassembles to under 20 inches for pack storage.
What is the Savage 42 Takedown used for?
The Savage 42 serves as a specialized pack gun for remote hunting and survival scenarios where compact transport outweighs firepower needs. Its 1-round capacity demands precision shot placement, making it ideal for opportunistic small game or varmint control during extended backcountry trips where every ounce matters. I've found it particularly effective for alpine squirrel and grouse hunting where shots are typically under 40 yards.
How does the Savage 42 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage 42 sacrifices versatility for compactness compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 in .308 Win - the Stevens offers 4+1 capacity and faster follow-up shots but requires 40.5 inches of storage space versus the Savage's 20-inch takedown length. Where the Stevens 334 excels at deliberate medium-game hunting, the Savage 42 serves hikers who might encounter everything from snakes to coyotes without adding significant pack weight.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage 42 weighs 6.10 pounds with a 35.75-inch overall length when assembled, breaking down to two components each under 20 inches for pack storage. The synthetic stock contributes to the manageable weight while the 1:16 twist barrel provides stability for .22LR ammunition up to 100 yards. Disassembly requires no tools and takes approximately 15 seconds with practice.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't for tactical applications or situations requiring rapid engagement of multiple targets. The single-shot break-action design imposes a 8-10 second reload cycle under stress, making it unsuitable for home defense compared to pump-action shotguns or semi-automatic rifles. Competition shooters and those needing rapid follow-up shots should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the takedown firearm, one set of choke tubes, and basic owner's documentation - notably absent are cleaning tools or a carrying case. The manual covers takedown/reassembly procedures but assumes baseline firearms knowledge, so new shooters should budget for additional instructional resources. All components ship with protective coatings that require removal before first use.
Is the Savage 42 worth it at $537.99?
At $537.99, the Savage 42 delivers fair value for specialists who specifically need its unique takedown capability in a combination gun format. While single-shot firearms typically cost $200-300, the engineering required for reliable takedown alignment justifies the premium for backpack hunters and bush pilots. For general field use without the takedown requirement, traditional single-shots offer better value.
Key attributes
| upc | 062654230011 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23001 |
| 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 standard .22LR and .410 ammunition?
- Yes, the Savage 42 accepts all commercially available .22LR rimfire cartridges and 2.5-inch or 3-inch .410 shotgun shells without modification. The chambers are SAAMI-spec and reliably cycle bulk-pack ammunition, though I recommend CCI Standard Velocity for consistent accuracy.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- When disassembled, both components fit in a 22-inch hard case with room for ammunition and accessories. The largest component measures 19.8 inches, making it compatible with most compact rifle cases from Plano or Pelican.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature requirement within 2 business days of FFL verification. Most deliveries complete within 5-7 business days depending on your FFL's processing time and location relative to our Montana warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through your FFL, though we cover manufacturer defects under our lifetime warranty. I recommend handling similar firearms at local dealers first - the 6.10-pound weight feels distinctly different from traditional rifles.