Winchester Model 1897 ’97 M97 20” 12 GA Pump Shotgun C&R 1918

SOLD FOR: $1,426.00

LSB# LSB251202DH044

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 681098

Year of Manufacture: 1918 C&R

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Exposed Hammer

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” with patent dates and “12 GA.” “CYL”. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “WP” in oval, found again on the top-front of the receiver to the left of the sighting groove. The barrel extension is also marked with a serial number. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.”.

Barrel Length: 20″

Choke: Fixed Cylinder 

Sights / Optics: There is a silver front bead at the end of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide-handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and hard rubber buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents and spots of finish loss throughout. There is oil darkening in the wrist. There are small cracks in the wrist. There are chips and gouges scattered throughout. The toe is chipped. Overall, the stocks are in Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. There is no erosion but there are some fouling streaks down the length. There is some larger spots of pitting, mostly near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 /10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to a silver/brown patina. There is extensive scratching, mostly on the receiver. There are corrosion stains throughout. The hammer appears to be a nickel replacement hammer. Overall this shotgun is in Poor to Fair 

Mechanics: The action bar lock does not work. The action does lock shut. Other than that 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: Designed by John M. Browning and produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Model 1897 remains one of the most iconic American pump shotguns ever built. This 1918 production example dates to the closing months of the First World War era, a period when the ’97 had already proven itself in both civilian and military service. With its exposed hammer, long receiver profile, and unmistakable slide-action operation, the Model 1897 carries the mechanical character of early twentieth century Winchester engineering. The 20 inch cylinder bore barrel gives this shotgun a compact, utilitarian presence consistent with defensive or riot-length configurations of the period.

This example retains approximately 10 percent of its original blue finish, with most surfaces having worn to a silver and brown patina. There is extensive scratching on the receiver and scattered corrosion staining throughout. The hammer appears to be a nickel replacement, contrasting with the remaining finish. Markings, including the Winchester address and oval WP proofs, remain visible. The bore is semi bright with fouling streaks and larger areas of pitting concentrated near the muzzle, rating 6 out of 10. The walnut stocks consist of a grooved slide-handle forearm and buttstock with semi-pistol grip and straight comb, fitted with a hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows scratches, compression dents, finish loss, oil darkening at the wrist, small cracks in the wrist, and a chipped toe, rating in Fair condition.

Mechanically, the action functions and locks shut, though the action bar lock is not working. The trigger pull is crisp, and the shotgun retains its original slam-fire capability as designed. Chambered in 12 Gauge for 2 3/4 inch shells and qualifying as C&R eligible, this 1918 Winchester Model 1897 stands as a well-used but mechanically functional example of a classic American pump shotgun with over a century of history behind it. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF