Winchester 1897 Factory Two-Barrel Set 26″/28″ Cyl/Full 16 GA Pump Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210227SH01
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Factory Two-Barrel Set
Serial Number: 147117
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 9/16″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown
Markings: The top of each barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” with patent dates and “16”, the left of the 28″ is marked “FULL”, the left of the 26″ barrel is marked “CYL”. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “C / 147117”, the bottom of each barrel extension is marked “147117”. The 28″ barrel’s action bar is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”-, “16 GA.”, the 26″ barrel’s action bar is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”, “16 GA.” (no dashes).
Barrel Length: 28″ and 26″
Choke: The 28″ barrel is choked Full, the 26″ barrel is Cylinder bore, both are Fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at each muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are wood with each grooved slide-handle secured by three screws at the rear, round-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, with a few more notable nicks, most in the buttstock. The wrist has the most handling wear with a little bit more handling wear on the 26″ barrel’s slide handle than the other. The 28″ barrel’s slide handle has three thin cracks at the front edge, two on the left and one on the bottom. There is a short, thin crack at the front edge of the wrist on the left and there is a odd, thin crack across the bottom of the grip which does not extend to any edges. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear around the edges with scattered light nicks and scratches, the face has mostly gone to a light patina. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are both mostly bright with infrequent minor erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The 28″ barrel set has some light wear in the barrel, mostly at the front and rear, a few scattered light nicks, some minor surface oxidation, and some scattered spots of light minor surface erosion, most along the left side. Its magazine tube has wear on its domed cap, operational wear from the slide handle, and a few light marks with otherwise generally strong finish. Its barrel extension has scattered finish wear, heaviest on the bottom. The 26″ barrel set has generally similar wear to the 28″ set with a little more finish wear, only one spot of minor erosion on the top of the barrel over the front of the slide handle, and more notable wear on the bottom in front of the magazine tube from disassembly/reassembly. The receiver has wear in the rounded portions with stronger finish in the flats and on the bolt and lifter. There are some scattered nicks and scratches on the receiver. Most worn areas show discoloration from oxidation and there are some scattered spots of light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun set is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly with both barrel sets. The trigger is crisp. 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 a Cody Firearms Records Search. The Search indicates that this shotgun was received in the Winchester warehouse October 16, 1901, shipped October 17, 1901 and was ordered with an additional 28″ Cylinder Bore barrel. We don’t see any sign that the barrel has been cut, so this may be a transcription or records error.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1897 was designed by the famed John M. Browning and quickly became one of the most popular shotguns in the world, serving the United states military in both World Wars and popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It should come as no surprise then, that it was also popular on the civilian market with many field guns produced. This example is in about Very Good condition with wear consistent with use in the field and is chambered for 16 gauge, 2 9/16″ shells. It was special-ordered from Winchester with a pair of interchangeable barrels which not only makes it a versatile gun for the hunter, but also a nice piece to add to a Winchester collection. The bores are still nice and the mechanics are strong with much of its original finish remaining. Whether you’re looking to take this gun back out in the field or add to your collection, this is a nice set for either purpose, or both! Please see our photos and good luck!