Winchester Model 1897 M97 ’97 Takedown 22.5″ 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1900 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1325

LSB#: 220526JR004

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 71196

Year of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” with patent dates, “12” and the left is marked “CYL”. The bottom of the barrel extension is marked “71196”. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “C / 71196”. The action bar is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”-.

Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 22 1/2″.

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. The receiver and barrel extension have a shallow groove which serves as a sighting plane.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with grooved slide-handle secured with three screws, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black plastic Fajen buttplate. The slide handle has long repaired cracks at the front and there is another crack at the bottom-rear which extends to the bottom mounting screw escutcheon. Otherwise, the slide handle shows light handling wear in its new finish. The replacement buttstock has some scattered minor nicks and scratches, but no notable damage. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as partially refinished and partially not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some minor erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most remaining finish is in protected areas such as on the bottom of the barrel over the magazine, the top of the magazine and the forward portion in front of the magazine bracket, on the receiver flats, and on the bolt and lifter. Other areas show wear with some gone to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. We did not fire 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 popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It should come as no surprise then, that it was also popular on the civilian market with many field guns produced.

This is an interesting example from 1900. The gun retains early features such as the domed cap for the magazine, a slide handle secured with three screws, and a fixed ejector. The gun has had its barrel cut back to 22 1/2″, making it more suitable for self defense or Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. The gun shows wear consistent with 122 years of use, having had the slide handle repaired and the buttstock replaced. It looks like it still has a lot of life left in it, and this would be a good candidate for restoration with its early features. Please see our photos and good luck!

Winchester Model 1897 M97 '97 Takedown 22.5" 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1900 C&R
Winchester Model 1897 M97 ’97 Takedown 22.5″ 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1900 C&R