Winchester Model 1897 M97 Takedown 12 GA Pump Action Shotgun, MFD 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1580
LSB#: 220317MG007
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 471732
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Takedown Shotgun With Tubular Magazine
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 has had its choke marking removed. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver to the left of the sighting groove are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number under “E”, the serial number is also marked on the bottom of the barrel extension. The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.”.
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 20″.
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver colored bead at the muzzle (quite close to the muzzle) and the top-front of the receiver has a groove which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide handle, round-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttstock has quite attractive grain while the slide handle has straight grain more typical of Winchester stocks. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is scattered minor erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in operational wear. There are a few scattered minor nicks, scratches and light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The remaining markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
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 is a 12 gauge Takedown model made in 1911 which has had its barrel cut back to 20″. It has been refinished, so it looks great for its age, especially when you check out the gorgeous grain of its new buttstock. This would be a neat addition to a Winchester collection, it would be a good gun for Cowboy Action Shooting, and it wouldn’t be the worst choice for home defense, either. Please see our photos and good luck!