NICE Winchester Model 1893 Pump Action Shotgun Early 12 Gauge / Ga., Pre – Model 1897, MFD 1895

SOLD FOR: $1,150.00
LSB#: 190415SH02

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1893

Serial Number: 17306

Year of Manufacture: Shipped 8/26/1895

Caliber: 12 Gauge (2 5/8″)

Action Type: Pump Action Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. MODEL 1893 PAT. NOV.25.1890 & DEC. 6. 1892”, and at the receiver with “12”. The underside of the receiver is marked “A / 17306”. The action slide is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1893”.

Barrel Length: 32”

Choke: Full (0.033″ constriction)

Sights / Optics: The shotgun is mounted with a single brass bead front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a rounded pistol grip, smooth metal butt plate and a ribbed forearm. Hard rubber plates were standard, with the smooth plates available upon order. The wood to metal fit is just a hair shy and may be from a very light and very old finish touchup or from shrinkage, either way it does not affect the aesthetics. The wood shows no cracks and remains tight to the metal. There are a handful of bruises and scratches throughout, with a small chip at the belly. The wear and age is natural and appropriate for the condition of the metal and age of the gun. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has worn through the finish, primarily at the heel, with about 70% finish retained. The plate rates in about Fine condition and the stocks rate in about Very Good – Fine overall condition as well.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There are a few scattered patches of erosion, though this is light…

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The barrel has drifted to brown, with more thinning towards the rear. There are a couple of marks from rack storage and scattered scratches from use and handling. The frame has a good amount of finish remaining, with thinning to all surfaces and a mild drift to patina. There are some scratches on the frame, the most notable being around the serial number. The bolt retains a-lot of the original blue, as does the action slide, both indications of the infrequent use that this has seen over the years. Despite the wear, the gun remains very attractive and shows a lot more finish than just about any other 1893 we have handled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition and is certainly one of the better 1893’s we have even seen.

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: A Cody search letter is included and confirms all features and shipment date.

Our Assessment: The 1893 was the shotgun that Browning wanted to design all along. He preferred the slide action to the lever action, only producing the lever action 1887 at Winchester’s behest. The 1893 is often referred to as the “wellspring” of all pump shotguns, even those manufactured today. It lead to the 1897 and eventually the Model 12, 1200, etc. It was the 3rd pump action shotgun ever produced (after the Spencer & Burgess guns), eclipsing both in design, usefulness and production. This was the first gun to make the “sound” we have all come to recognize as a shotgun being pumped.

With the open-top receiver, the 1893 was designed for use with black powder shells. According to Madis, the 1893 underwent 7 “major improvements” and 21 “minor changes”. The A in the serial number indicates that this was manufactured before the mechanical changes. (We do not know what all of these 28 changes were…) Aside from the lower pressure tolerances, the 1893 could only be opened when in battery by dropping the hammer or pressing the firing pin forward with your finger. Due to this design “imperfection” and the inability of the 1893 to handle smokeless powders, Winchester offered dealers an 1897 for any equal grade 1893 that was traded into them. The 1893’s were then destroyed by Winchester, making the guns seldom seen today.

Given destruction and disappearance of most 1893’s, they are uncommon guns and are especially rare in this condition.  The gun is very attractive and very honest. There is not only finish remaining on this one, but a good amount of it. Though we suspect that the stock may have been very carefully touched up a long time ago, you wouldn’t guess that at first glance and the gun still belongs in even the best of the Winchester or shotgun collections out there. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This antique shotgun can be sold in California.