MOSSBERG ~ 42 MB ~ .22 S, L, LR

US-Retained WWII Mossberg 42M-B Military Trainer (.22 S/L/LR). Up for grabs is a highly original piece of World War II history bearing serial number 43301 and stamped with a crisp "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" mark. Because it completely lacks British crown proof marks, this rifle is a highly desirable "stay-at-home" variant that was retained domestically by the U.S. War Department to train American troops rather than being shipped overseas under the Lend-Lease Act. It is an incredibly complete example, retaining its rare original receiver-mounted Mossberg S-100 "Micro-Click" aperture peep sight, a 4-position selectable front sight, and the elusive original curved sheet-metal bolt dust cover. Built on a full-length Mannlicher-style wood stock, this late-war contract variant was factory-manufactured without a center barrel dovetail, making it a mechanically tight, museum-grade centerpiece for any serious military surplus or vintage rimfire collector.