Winchester Model 1897 ’97 M97 Takedown 20.5″ 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1907 C&R

SOLD FOR: $770

WOA#: WY240315JV028

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 342712

Year of Manufacture: 1907

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” with patent dates and “12 GA.”, the left is marked “FULL”. 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 bottom of the receiver at the front is marked with the serial number under “D”, the barrel extension is also marked with the serial number. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”.

Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 20 1/2″.

Choke: Though the barrel is marked Full, it currently measures Cylinder Bore, Fixed.

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 grooved slide-handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, more in the buttstock than the slide handle. There is a short crack in the bottom of the wrist at the rear of the trigger guard. There is some fill at the rear of the buttstock around the buttplate, mostly at the heel and toe. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as likely refinished and/or not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion, but there are tool marks at the muzzle-end where the new front sight mount was dressed. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has wear toward the rear. The receiver has wear in the round portions with most of its finish on the flats. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good 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 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. This example was produced in 1907 and looks like it has seen some use. The barrel has been cut back to 20 1/2″, now Cylinder Bore, making it more suitable for self-defense. That said, this was more likely done for use in Cowboy Action Shooting competition, and it would still be suitable for this use. This is a neat old Winchester that will add nicely to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud