Custom WWII Winchester 97 Trench Gun 1897 12 GA 20 3/4″ Pump Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $2035
LSB#: 210918MW12
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Built 1897 Trench Gun, 97
Serial Number: 946236
Year of Manufacture: 1941-1945
Gauge: 12 Ga. 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tube Fed, Exposed Hammer
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97 – WINCHESTER – 12 GA. / -TRADE MARK-” and “2 3/4 CHAM. / CYL”. The top of the barrel is marked with a “WP” proof mark, found again on the top of the receiver. The top of the chamber also has a flaming bomb. The right of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN.-” with patent dates. The bottom of the barrel extension is marked “952501”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “E / 946236”. The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S.” and with a flaming bomb. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “E”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “42”.
Barrel Length: 20 3/4”
Choke: Fixed Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead set on the base of the heatshield/bayonet lug.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut, the slide handle is grooved and the buttstock has a pistol grip and straight comb. There are some little nicks, dings and a couple of light scratches on the slide handle. There are repaired cracks on both sides of the slide handle at the rear and an unrepaired hairline crack on the right side at the front. The buttstock has some scattered light compressions, a couple of little dings, and a scratch on the belly. There are cracks on the wrist on the bottom, and left side, some have been repaired. There is some material loss on the bottom of the wrist at the edges of the trigger guard. There is a custom sling mount inlet into the belly. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered hard rubber Winchester butt plate. The plate has some little scratches and scrapes, the heel has worn smooth. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright but there is some discoloration and faint surface erosion at the muzzle. There are three little bumps in the bottom of the bore at the location of the three heatshield mount screws.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are some little nicks and scratches on the receiver. There are some scattered spots of erosion under the finish. There are some little scratches on the barrel, most noticeable at the front from use with a bayonet. There are some little spots of oxidation scattered over the barrel. There are some spots of oxidation and light erosion on the magazine tube in addition to operational scratches and finish loss. There is standard operational wear. There is some erosion under the finish on the bayonet lug and heatshield base. The screw heads show use with serviceable slots. The markings are a mix of soft and sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: After observing the Great War for the first three years, it became clear to the U.S. that serious close-range firepower was needed in trench warfare. The Model 1897 Trench grade was an evolution of this idea. The pre-existing Winchester Model 1897 was modified by adding a perforated steel heat shield over the barrel which protected the hand of the user from the barrel when it became over-heated, and an adapter with bayonet lug for affixing an M1917 bayonet. They were so effective and brutal in combat that the German high command once announced they would execute any US soldier captured with one in his possession. This shotgun was not originally a trench gun but was put into this configuration by an enthusiast. The heat shield has all the indications of a SARCO shield. A 4-row, 6-rivet shield is not a configuration seen outside of SARCO. This is a nice military-style 97 that will be tons of fun to shoot at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!