Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Riot 20” 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1900 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,001.00
LSB#: LSB251210CF001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897 Model C Solid Frame
Serial Number: 94058
Year of Manufacture: 1900 / C&R
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾”
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Exposed Hammer
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92. JULY.21.9.FEB.22.98.JUNE.14.98” The top of the barrel is marked “12” and the left side of the barrel is marked “FULL/ CYL” Indicating the new choke as Cylinder due to the cut down barrel. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked with the serial number “94058” under the “C” Model designation. The action bar is a Type-2 version and is marked “–WINCHESTER– / MODEL 1897”
Barrel Length: 20″ Cut down Barrel
Choke: Fixed: Cylinder
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead screwed into the barrel at the muzzle. The receiver has a shallow groove at the front which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The stocks are a two-piece walnut with the rounded pistol grip, straight comb, 17-groove 3-screw model pump grip and a steel buttpad. The stocks have scattered nicks and scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There are some faint scratches and slight fouling but no erosion throughout the barrel. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its original metal finish. There is thinning of finish on leading edges. The action has remarkably light wear for its age. There are dings, scratches on the barrel, mag tube and receiver with a larger scratch at the top of the receiver. The balance of the finish is turning to a plum patina. The pump action and action release button are operational. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are strong. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition as a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. 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: Cody Firearms Record (not a factory letter)
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1897, designed by John M. Browning, was one of the earliest successful pump action shotguns built to handle smokeless powder and quickly became a mainstay of American sporting arms. This 1900 manufactured Model C solid frame example represents the earlier production style before takedown models became more common. Its solid frame configuration offers a rigid receiver profile, and the included Cody Firearms Record provides useful documentation to accompany the gun.
This shotgun now features a 20 inch cut down barrel marked “FULL / CYL,” indicating its current Cylinder choke configuration. It retains approximately 90 percent of its original blue finish with thinning on leading edges and scattered dings and scratches on the barrel, magazine tube, and receiver, including a more noticeable scratch on the top of the receiver. The remaining finish shows some plum toning. The bore is bright and shiny with faint scratches and slight fouling but no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks show scattered nicks and scratches yet remain solid and rate in Very Good condition overall.
Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger, and the pump action and action release button operate as intended. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable, and the markings remain strong. With high original finish, early solid frame construction, and desirable turn of the century manufacture, this Model C represents a very attractive C&R example of a classic American pump shotgun. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!