Mossberg Model 142
O.F. Mossberg & Sons · Carbine · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: Mossberg 142, Mossberg 142-A, Mossberg 142A, Mossberg 142-K, Mossberg 142K
Overview
The Mossberg Model 142 is an American .22 Long Rifle bolt-action carbine produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons from 1949 to 1957. Styled after the U.S. M1 Carbine, it fed from a seven-round detachable box magazine and featured a distinctive synthetic fore-end that folded down to serve as a vertical foregrip or a prone-shooting monopod. Marketed as an affordable 'army-type' plinking and small-game carbine, it was offered in the aperture-sighted 142-A and the simpler open-sighted 142-K.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2720 g (95.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: 7-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: M1 Carbine-Style Profile, Folding Fore-End That Drops To Form A Vertical Foregrip Or Monopod, Military-Type Web Sling And Left-Side Sling Swivels, Peep/Aperture Rear Sight On 142-A
Production
Production years: 1949-1957
142-A produced 1949-1957; 142-K variant produced 1953-1957.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Discontinued: 1957
Notes
Part of Mossberg's postwar line of military-styled .22 rimfire trainers alongside the semi-automatic Model 152.
Background
Mossberg pitched its 142 and 152 carbines to a generation of young shooters who had grown up watching GIs carry the M1 Carbine, wrapping an inexpensive .22 rimfire in web slings, folding foregrips and army styling to capture that appeal at a moderate price.