Winchester 1897 97 M97 Takedown 26″ 12 GA Pump Action Shotgun 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1276
LSB#: 210223SH02
Make: Winchester
Model: 97
Serial Number: 908310
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 ¾” Chamber
Action Type: Slam Fire Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “2¾ CHAM./MODEL 97–WINCHESTER–12 GA. IMP.-CYL./–TRADE MARK–””. The right side of the barrel is marked “–MADE IN U.S.A.WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.NEW HAVEN.CONN.–/PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY.21.96.FEB.22.98.JUNE.14.98.OCT.16.1900.DEC.25.00.JULY.5.10.” The top of the barrel to the rear and the top of the receiver to the left of the sight groove are both marked with the “WP” oval proof mark. The bottom of the barrel extension is marked “908310”. The underside of the receiver is marked “E/908310/W”.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Improved Cylinder
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle and the top-front of the receiver has a groove which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece walnut with round-bottom grooved side handle, flat-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There are scattered nicks, scratches, and scuffs all throughout the buttstock, with some noticeable scratches near the comb and the belly on the right side. The pump and the pistol grip show darkening and some thinning of the finish from use. The LOP measures 13?” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good Overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is light erosion at the chamber along with sone wad fouling. No deep pitting.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish exhibits typical operational wear, most notably on the magazine tube near the pump, the underside of the barrel, and in the internals. There are scattered nicks around the edges of the frame and a few small patches of finish loss on the barrel and the frame. The receiver has some noticeable chewing on the left-top near the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: “The Winchester Model 1897, also known as the Model 97, M97, or Trench Gun, is a pump-action shotgun with an external hammer and tube magazine manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1897 was an evolution of the Winchester Model 1893 designed by John Browning. From 1897 until 1957, over one million of these shotguns were produced. The Model 1897 was offered in numerous barrel lengths and grades, chambered in 12 and 16 gauge, and as a solid frame or takedown. The 16-gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12-gauge guns were furnished with 30-inch length barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches. Since the time the Model 1897 was first manufactured it has been used by American soldiers, police departments, and hunters.”
Even with its age, this shotgun is a fine firearm in working condition. It is a worthy addition to any collection or hunting cabin.