Custom Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1939 C&R

SOLD FOR: $760

WOA#:  WY240327JS023

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: E862133

Year of Manufacture: 1939

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Pump Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The left of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”, “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT. U.S.A.” with patent dates, “12 GA.”, “2 3/4” (stamped over a previous “2 3/4 CHAM” marking) and “FULL”. The left side of the action bar is marked “MODEL 97 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN.”. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “P” in oval (indicates installation outside the Winchester factory). There are ovalled “WP” proofs at the rear of the barrel and front of the frame.

Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to approximately 20 1/4″.

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The top-front of the receiver is grooved for a sighting plane.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and a brown rubber Kick Eez buttpad. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and areas of finish loss. The most notable wear is on the bottom of the slide handle, slightly right of center. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 13 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has scattered wear, losses around the edges, and discoloration, but remains supple. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The receiver’s and magazine’s finish appears Original, the barrel is a replacement and has been refinished, Bearing surfaces have been polished.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning  at all edges. The action shows normal operational wear and bearing surfaces hae been polished. The receiver has scattered oxidation along the top and there are some tiny voids in the finish from previously removed oxidation. The barrel has generally strong finish with a few scattered marks. There are some light nicks and scratches. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition as refinished and not parts-original.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 was popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It was made in all types of configurations from riot, trench, and sporting like this one. The design has stood the test of time, it is still used to this day in Cowboy Action Shooting and has been used by multiple world champions of the shooting discipline. For those who are interested, this shotgun does retain the ability to slam fire.

This model 1897 was produced in 1939 and has seen some customization. Its replacement barrel has been cut back to just less than 20″ and a Kick Eez buttpad has been installed. The mechanics are still strong, and this should prove to be a fun shooter. As a desirable Solid Frame model, it would also be a rewarding restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!

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