Winchester 1897 Model C 97 Solid Frame 20” 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1903 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260209JD003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897 Model C Solid Frame
Serial Number: 216116
Year of Manufacture: 1903 / C&R
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾”
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Exposed Hammer
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92. JULY.21.9.FEB.22.98.JUNE.14.98 OCT 16, 1900” The top of the barrel is marked “12” and the left side of the barrel is marked “FULL”. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked with the serial number “216116” under the “C” Model designation. The action bar is a Type-1 and is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”
Barrel Length: 20” Cut down
Choke: Fixed Full Choke
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead screwed into the barrel 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 the Rounded knob pistol grip, straight comb, 17-groove 3-screw model pump grip and a hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have many compression marks, scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches but there are no chips or cracks in the buttstock . There is a small chip at one of the screws in the forearm. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There is some very faint erosion or scratches near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 15% of its original metal finish with thinning present on leading edges. The barrel has been cut with a new brass bead sight installed. There are dings, scratches and some minor pitting on the receiver. The finish on the barrel is mostly a rust patina. The pump action and action release button are operational. The action shows relatively standard operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are worn but visible. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good to Very Good condition as a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 stands as one of the most influential pump action shotguns ever produced, bridging the transition from 19th century exposed hammer designs to the modern repeating shotgun. Manufactured in 1903, this Model C solid frame example represents the stronger, later configuration of the 1897, built to handle smokeless powder loads and hard field use. The exposed hammer, slam fire capability, and robust John M. Browning–derived action made the Model 1897 a favorite among sportsmen, law enforcement, and later military users, securing its place as a cornerstone of American shotgun history.
This example is fitted with a 20 inch barrel that has been cut down from its original length and retains a fixed Full choke. The bore remains bright and shiny with only very faint erosion or scratches near the muzzle, earning an 8 out of 10 rating. Approximately 15 percent of the original blued finish remains, with most metal surfaces having transitioned to a gray and rust patina, particularly along the barrel. The receiver shows scattered dings, scratches, and minor pitting consistent with long service, while markings remain worn but legible. The pump action and action release function correctly, and overall wear reflects honest, period appropriate use.
The walnut stock set features the rounded knob pistol grip and correct 17 groove pump handle, showing numerous compression marks, scuffs, and scratches but no cracks in the buttstock. A small chip is present at one of the forearm screws, a common stress point on these guns. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger. Overall, this Winchester Model 1897 presents as a solid, historically significant early 20th century pump shotgun that retains strong character and mechanical integrity despite visible age and wear. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
