Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Riot Gun 20″ 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1924 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3035.02

LSB#: 230417SH013

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 732929

Year of Manufacture: 1924

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Solid Frame Shotgun With Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top left shoulder of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HEAVEN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A. / PAT. NOV. 25. 90 DEC. 6. 92. JULY. 21. 96. FEB. 22. 98. JUNE. 14. 98. OCT. 16. 1900. DEC. 25. 06. JULY. 5. 10?, “12 GA.” and “CYL.”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver to the left of the sighting groove are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver and barrel extension are each marked with the serial number. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN”.

Barrel Length: 20?

Choke: Cylinder, Fixed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bright bead fixed to the barrel. The top-front of the receiver has a groove which serves as a sighting plane.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber buttplate. There are some compressions, draglines, and a few dings. The majority of the defects are on the buttstock and the most noticeable are on the belly. There are a few light scratches and little scuffs through the finish on the butt. The belly and wrist have some discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14? to the end of the plate. The plate has some edge wear on the toe with some little nicks and scuffs at the heel. There is light rub wear to the checkering, mainly at the heel but the checkering and lettering are otherwise strong. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some infrequently scattered spots of surface oxidation and light freckles of frost. The most noticeable oxidation is on the trigger guard and right of the chamber. There are some oil stains surrounding raised features. There are a few oil stains. The receiver has some little nicks and small scratches, some of the most noticeable are on the left side at the bottom edge. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. 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: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1897 was designed by the legendary gunsmith John Moses Browning. Browning improved upon his earlier Model 1893 with a stronger receiver that could sustain the pressure of smokeless powder shells. The model was offered as both a solid frame and as a takedown to make storage and transportation easier. Also, Browning designed the shotgun so that it can be “slam fired”, where the user keeps the trigger depressed and fires shells by cycling the forend. The gun has a large production run, from 1897-1957 with about a million produced, and is still considered one of the most brilliant shotguns ever made.

The “Riot” variant of the Model 1897 was introduced in 1897 and remained in production until the 1960s. It was primarily marketed to law enforcement agencies and saw limited use with the military. Riot guns were used by police across the United States, and in many cases smaller agencies would not put property marks on their supply. A limited number were also sold on the commercial market. They are all marked “CYL” on their barrels and have 20” barrels.

This particular specimen is a “riot” variant of the Model 1897 made in 1924. The gun has a solid frame and little sign of use. The gun’s high condition and desirable configuration makes this a great catch for historical firearms collectors. Good luck on your bid!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud