Winchester Model 1897 97 M97 20″ 12 GA IMP CYL Pump Action Shotgun 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 211111CM03
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 781636
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “12 GA.”, and “FULL”. The action bar is marked “MODEL 97 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver and the bottom of the receiver extension are marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN.-” above patent dates. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “25” on the front bow.
Barrel Length: 20 1/4″ (Nominal 20″) Custom Cut
Choke: Improved Cylinder, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. The receiver has a shallow groove at the front which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and aftermarket rubber buttpad. The bottom of the wrist at the receiver has a spliced wood repair. There are some scattered light marks and compression, the most noticeable is on the buttstock down by the belly. There is what appears to be a hairline crack on the top and right of the wrist at the receiver. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some scattered light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright but there are patches of erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel has a couple scuffs, tiny nicks, and faint hairline scratches. The receiver has some little spots of erosion on the sides at the hammer. There are a few light handling marks on the receiver. The receiver extension has some spots of erosion under the finish. The magazine tube has some scattered mottled finish loss, little hairline scratches, and some spots of oxidation. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are generally clear, the proofs and serial number on the receiver extension are light. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None
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 one has been cut and was likely used in Cowboy Action Shooting. It has a nice new finish and works great. This will be a fun shooter and will certainly be a great shotgun for SASS events. Please see our photos and good luck!