Winchester 1897 97 12 Ga 20″ Solid Frame RIOT Pump Shotgun, MFD 1904 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3525
LSB#: 210616AL06
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 206918
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Slam Fire Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “CYL.” near the top and “–WINCHESTER/MODEL 1897–” on the action bar. The underside of the receiver is marked “C/206918”. The top of the barrel is marked with “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO./NEWHAVEN, CONN.U.S.A. PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY 21.96.FEB.22.98.JUNE 14.88.OCT.16.1900” and “12” near the receiver.
Barrel Length: 20”
Choke: Cylinder
Sights / Optics: There is a tall brass 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, round knob semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and metal buttplate. Both stocks show minor signs of wear and tear. Both sides of the buttstock show some typical scratches and dings. There is one notable scratch on the right side of the forend. The buttplate shows a few deep dings and some thinning to the leading edges, but retains most of its finish. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good – Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear and typical operation, most concentrated on the magazine tube. The left side of the receiver shows a number of scratches, some through the finish. There are a few minor patches of frosting on the barrel and receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good – Fine 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.”
This shotgun looks and functions great. This is one of the better Riot guns we have seen come though the shop. These guns were built to serve and should exhibit a few light scratches and scuffs and this gun has just enough of the honest wear without abuse or neglect. With no military or police markings we can only imagine its purpose or role for the period…