Chinese Norinco 1897 Model 97 Trench Gun 12 GA 20” Pump Action Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,180.00
LSB# LSB260522JN011
Make: Norinco
Model: 97 Trench Gun
Serial Number: MIL6576
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 right side of the receiver is marked “US” with an ordnance bomb.
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 1/2″ 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 Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. There are fouling streaks. There are a couple shallow dents from the installation of the heat shield. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There is mild handling and operational wear. There magtube shows the most rub wear. There is intermittent oxidation and scabs. There are scattered scratches and handling marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good 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: This shotgun comes with its attached Remington sling.
Our Assessment: John M. Browning’s Winchester Model 1897 evolved from the earlier Model 1893 and became one of the most recognizable American slide-action shotguns of the 20th century. The military Trench Gun configuration paired a short cylinder-bore barrel with a perforated heat shield, bayonet adaptor, and sling swivels, and Model 1897 trench guns saw U.S. military service beginning in World War I and continuing into later conflicts. Chinese Model 97 reproductions imported by Interstate Arms Corporation were produced to capture the appearance and operating characteristics of those increasingly valuable martial Winchesters, providing shooters and military-firearms enthusiasts with a substantially more accessible copy of the classic design.
This example retains approximately 90% of its original blue finish and remains mechanically sound, with a smooth action, bright 8/10 bore, 20″ cylinder-bore barrel, heat shield, bayonet lug, and sling swivels characteristic of the trench-gun pattern. The wood remains in Very Good condition, while scattered wear, oxidation, scratches, and the shallow barrel dents account for the lower overall condition rating. Although not an original U.S.-issue Winchester, these Chinese Model 97 trench reproductions have developed a following of their own as practical, visually convincing representatives of one of America’s most famous combat shotguns. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.