Winchester 1897 97 M97 Takedown 12 GA 28″ MOD Pump Shotgun, MFD 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1365
LSB#: 210208SH02
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 994497
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Takedown Shotgun With Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. / -U.S. OF AMERICA-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 97 – 12 GA. – 2 3/4 CHAM. / MOD.”. 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.
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the muzzle and 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 flat-bottom grooved slide handle, flat-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a patch of more notable bruising on the right of the buttstock. There is scattered thinning finish, mostly in the grip areas. There is a thin, short crack at the rear of the trigger guard. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light nicks and wear with two cracks on the left edge. The checkering and lettering are well defined. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is operational wear, most notable on the magazine tube. There is some minor surface oxidation on the receiver and toward the muzzle-end. There are a few other scattered light marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
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 Model 1897 shotgun is another of John Browning’s famous designs. It was the first pump action shotgun to see notable commercial success, helped along by Winchester buying out the designs of competitors. It would go on to be a staple of American sportsmen for the better part of the 20th century as well as being used for Trench Guns in both World Wars and seeing use by law enforcement agencies across the nation. This is a fairly late example, made in 1954. Late features include the flat-bottom slide handle and a wide, serrated hammer spur. This would be a nice addition to Winchester shotgun collection missing a ’97 and could be back out in the field dropping birds for another lifetime. Please see our pictures and good luck!