Winchester 1897 Riot 97 12 Ga 20″ Solid Frame Pump Shotgun, MFD 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2527

LSB#: 220124LV010

Make: Winchester

Model: 97, “Riot”

Serial Number: 650000

Year of Manufacture: 1918

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells

Action Type: Pump Action shotgun, Tube Fed, Exposed Hammer

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A.” with patent dates beneath and “12 GA. CYL.”. The top of the chamber and the top of the receiver’s chamber ring are both marked with the ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked “E / 650000”. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.”.

Barrel Length: 20″

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with brass bead at the muzzle and there is a sighting groove in the top-front of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a flat-bottom grooved slide handle, flat-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There is a repair on the belly that blends into the wood grain. Both sides of the wrist have a small crack at the receiver. There are some scattered compressions, scuffs, and little dings into the wood. The majority of the wear is on the buttstock. There are areas of thinning and finish loss. There are areas of discoloration. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some rub wear, scuffs, nicks, and some light scratches. The stocks rate in Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are scattered spots of faint surface erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 45% of its metal finish. There are areas of visible finish on the receiver, magazine tube, and bottom of the barrel. There are some scattered areas of mottled finish loss, patches of finish loss from previous oxidation, scuffs, and scratches. The majority of the scratches are scattered over the receiver. There are some scattered spots of discoloration from previous oxidation, oil stains, and some spots of oxidation. The barrel has mostly turned to a patina. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition

Mechanics: The action functions properly. 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 1897 was designed by the famed John M. Browning and quickly became one of the most popular shotguns in the world, serving the United States military in both World Wars and was popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It was made in all types of configurations from sporting, trench, and riot like this one. The design has stood the test of time, it is still used to this day in Cowboy Action Shooting, and has been used by multiple world champions of the shooting discipline. This one is a special one, it is one of the CYL marked riot guns, and better yet, it is a solid frame. Yes this gun has wear, but given its age and intended use, it can hardly be blamed. This will make a nice addition to a Winchester or law enforcement firearms collection and likely still has a few more decades of guard duty left in it.  Please see our photos and good luck!

Winchester 1897 Riot 97 12 Ga 20" Solid Frame Pump Shotgun, MFD 1918 C&R
Winchester 1897 Riot 97 12 Ga 20″ Solid Frame Pump Shotgun, MFD 1918 C&R