Winchester 1897 Model E 97 Takedown 12 GA 28” Pump Shotgun 1910 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,175.00

LSB#: LSB2501014SR001

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897, Take Down Model E

Serial Number: 503702

Year of Manufacture: 1910 / C&R  (

Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine, Exposed hammer, Takedown.

Markings: The bottom of the receiver and extension are marked “503702” with an “E”. The top of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.-/ PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY.21.96.FEB.22.98.JUNE. 14.98.OCT.13.1900.DEC.25.06.JULY.5.10.”  The top of the barrel is marked 12 GA. and “FULL” and marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The action bar is a Type-3 D Series and is marked “MODEL 1897 / –WINCHESTER– / TRADE MARK”.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke:  Fixed, FULL

Sights / Optics:  There is a brass bead in a base 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 flat bottom semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered Winchester composite buttplate and 18-groove pump grip.  The buttstock appears to have been refinished.  There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttstock retains roughly 90% of its refinish. There are scattered compressions and scratches in the forearm. Pump grip.  There are minimal handling marks on the buttstock.  Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, Buttstock refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There is no erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling at the chamber and the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.  

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish on the barrel, receiver and tubular magazine.  Most of the finish loss is on the magazine. The receiver has minor freckles of light surface oxidation. The barrel has more blue present but is mixed with intermittent spots of oxidation and patina near the muzzle. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and areas of thinning,  The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and is smooth. 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: Comes with an extra barrel, magazine and pump  assembly.  The extra barrel is 26″ in 12 GA Cylinder bore with a bore rating of 8/10.  

Our Assessment: Designed by John M. Browning, the Winchester Model 1897 stands as one of the most influential pump-action shotguns ever produced and a cornerstone of American sporting and martial arms history. Introduced as an improvement over the earlier Model 1893, the Model 1897 featured a strengthened receiver capable of handling smokeless powder shells, an exposed hammer, and a robust slide-action system that proved exceptionally durable. By 1910, when this example was manufactured, the design was fully mature and widely trusted, having already earned a reputation for reliability in the hands of sportsmen, lawmen, and institutions alike.

This Model E takedown configuration highlights one of the shotgun’s most forward-thinking features. The takedown system allowed the barrel and magazine assembly to be quickly separated from the receiver, simplifying cleaning, transport, and storage, a significant advantage at the time and a concept that continues to influence modern pump shotgun design. While the Model 1897 is famously associated with military service in both World Wars and later law enforcement use, long-barreled sporting variants like this 28-inch, full-choke example were produced in great numbers for upland hunting, waterfowl, and general field use, where their smooth action and strong extraction were especially valued.

This shotgun retains honest, age-consistent condition, with approximately 80 percent metal finish remaining and clear markings throughout. The bright bore, smooth functioning action, and correct exposed-hammer operation underscore its continued mechanical integrity more than a century after manufacture. The inclusion of an extra barrel, magazine, and pump assembly adds meaningful versatility and interest. Taken as a whole, this Winchester Model 1897 represents a classic early 20th-century American pump shotgun, combining Browning’s enduring design with practical field configuration and authentic period character. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!

BF