Winchester 1897 Model 97 12 GA 30” IC. Pump Slam-Fire Shotgun MFD 1898
SODL FOR: $2,275.00
LSB# LSB251006CF025
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 50155
Year of Manufacture: 1898 Antique
Caliber: 12 ga 2 3/4″ Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONNECTICUT.U.S.A. / PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY.21.96./ 12″ The action bar is marked “WInchester Model 1897.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. There is an “C” above the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Fixed, Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: Bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered Winchester steel buttplate and 17-groove pump grip. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are scattered compressions, handling marks, and scratches throughout. There is oil darkening next to the receiver. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is minor erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to brown patina. There corrosion staining throughout with the majority being on the receiver where it would have been carried. The only blue that seems to remain is on the front of the magtube. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shogun rates in Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and is smooth. 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 Model 1897 is one of the most recognizable and historically significant American pump shotguns ever produced, representing John M. Browning’s final pump-action design for Winchester. Introduced in the late nineteenth century, the Model 1897 bridged the gap between exposed-hammer repeaters and fully modern pump shotguns, earning a reputation for rugged reliability and fast handling. This 1898-manufactured example dates to the earliest years of production and reflects the classic long-barreled sporting configuration that made the Model 97 a fixture in fields, marshes, and shooting clubs across the country.
Chambered in 12 gauge with a 30 inch barrel and fixed Improved Cylinder choke, this shotgun was well suited to upland hunting, pass shooting, and general sporting use of the period. The Model 1897’s exposed hammer and side-ejecting action are hallmarks of its design, while its ability to slam-fire, intentionally allowing the gun to fire as the action is cycled with the trigger held, remains one of its most distinctive mechanical traits. The simple bead front sight and long sighting plane reinforce its role as an instinctive shooting gun built for deliberate swings rather than precision aiming.
Condition reflects extensive honest use consistent with a working antique shotgun. Approximately 10 percent of the original blue finish remains, with most metal surfaces worn to a brown patina and corrosion staining concentrated on the receiver and high-contact areas. The bore is gray with minor erosion and pitting present, rating 7 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks remain free of cracks or chips and show scattered handling marks and oil darkening near the receiver, placing them in Good condition for an antique. The action functions smoothly and correctly, retaining its original slam-fire capability. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
