Winchester 1897 Model E Takedown ‘97 12 GA 30” Pump Shotgun 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,005.00
LSB#: LSB250807EM052
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take Down, Late Model E
Serial Number: 920658
Year of Manufacture: 1946 / C&R
Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine, Exposed hammer, Takedown.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked” ““–MODEL 97–WINCHESTER–/ -TRADE MARK-”/ 12GA. FULL”–2 ¾ CHAM–” / “FULL” The bottom of the receiver and the extension are marked with the serial number “920658” with an “E” designation for the model. The top of the barrel and the top left of the receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. There are no Model designations or Winchester proof marks on the action slide bar as these were discontinued just before S/N 800,000.
Barrel Length: 30”
Choke: Fixed, FULL
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead screwed onto 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 flat bottom semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, Winchester hard rubber buttpad and 18-groove pump grip. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttstock retains roughly 90% of its original finish. There is a crack on the left wrist emanating from the receiver. There are scattered compressions and scratches throughout with some deeper scratches on the right rear of the buttstock. The forearm has 90% of its finish but there are no cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as a C&R due to the crack in the wrist.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. There is no erosion in the bore. There are some signs of plastic residue discoloration in the bore chamber. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish with thinning present on the leading edges. There are minor scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and areas of thinning due to operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and unmarred with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine 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: 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 popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It should come as no surprise then, that it was also popular on the civilian market with many field guns produced. Originally produced as a tougher, stronger and more improved version of the Winchester Model 1893, the 1897 was identical to its forerunner, except that the receiver was thicker and allowed for use of smokeless powder shells, which were not common at the time. The 1897 also introduced a “takedown” design, where the barrel and magazine tube could easily be separated from the receiver for cleaning or transportation, the ease of removal of the barrel becoming a standard in pump shotguns made today.
Over time, the model 97 became the most popular shotgun on the American market and established a standard of performance by which other kinds and makes of shotguns were judged, including the most expensive imported articles. The Winchester Model 1897 was in production from 1897 until 1957. This example is a 12 gauge takedown Late Version model E made in 1946. This is a great looking gun in Fine Condition with a mirror bore that still has strong mechanics after 75 years after it was made. It sports an original Winchester rubber buttpad for authenticity. It should make for a neat gun for hunting, clay shooting, Cowboy Action Shooting or perhaps a display piece in a collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bid!
BF
