Chinese Norinco 1897 Model 97 Trench Gun 12 GA 20” Pump Action Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB# LSB260128MC019
Make: Norinco
Model: 97 Trench Gun Style
Serial Number: MIL6827
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97”. The top of the barrel is marked “12 GA 2 3/4”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “MADE IN CHINA”. The right side of the barrel is marked “IAC BILLERICA MA. CHINA S.D.I”. The front of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20″
Choke: CYL, Fixed
Sights / Optics: Brass Bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered composite buttplate, and round grooved pump grip. There is a sling ring in the belly of the buttstock and a sling ring mounted above the bayonet lug. The barrel is mounted with a heat shield with bayonet lug. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. There are a few scattered compressions and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish.The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. Some of the parts have turned plum, typical of Norinco. There is light operational wear. There are scattered scratches and handling marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
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 Norinco Model 97 Trench Gun Style shotgun is a modern reproduction of the legendary Winchester Model 1897 trench gun, a design that gained widespread recognition during World War I for its effectiveness in close quarters combat. Originally designed by John Moses Browning, the Model 97 featured an exposed hammer, robust pump action, and the ability to slam fire, characteristics that carried over into military trench configurations equipped with heat shields and bayonet lugs. Norinco’s reproduction follows this historic pattern, offering a contemporary manufactured version that captures the visual and mechanical elements of the original service shotguns. Chambered for 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch shells, the platform continues to reflect the versatility and power that made the trench gun concept so enduring.
This example retains about 97 percent of its original blued finish, with only light operational wear and scattered handling marks present. Some components exhibit a subtle plum tone, a common characteristic of Norinco finishes. The markings remain clear and well defined. The wood stock set is in Excellent condition, showing only minor compressions with no cracks or structural concerns, and includes correct trench style features such as the heat shield with bayonet lug and sling swivel mounts. The bore is bright with no erosion, rating 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and cycles smoothly, retaining the original style slam fire capability. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.