Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame 30″ FULL 12 GA Pump Shotgun, 1899 C&R

SOLD FOR: $760

WOA#:  WY240315JV089

Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: 70237

Year of Manufacture: 1899

Gauge: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Pump Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.” with patent dates, and at the rear with “12”. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “FULL”. The action bar is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897”.

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Full, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The top-front of the receiver has a sighting groove.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a checkered steel buttplate. The grooved slide handle is secured by three screws at the rear and is a replacement. There is a loss at the left mounting screw and a few other light marks on the slide handle. The buttstock has some scattered light marks, some of which have been finished over. There is a small fill in the right of the grip. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear and some minor erosion under its new finish. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered finish wear on the barrel behind the magazine bracket and handling wear on the receiver toward the bottom-front. There is scattered minor surface erosion, some under and some through the finish. The trigger guard is mostly worn to white. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with more notable tool marks on each side of the barrel at the rear. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. 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 about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 was popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It was made in all types of configurations from riot, trench, and sporting like this one. The design has stood the test of time, it is still used to this day in Cowboy Action Shooting and has been used by multiple world champions of the shooting discipline. For those who are interested, this shotgun does retain the ability to slam fire.

This model 1897 was produced in 1899, a quite early example for the model. The gun shows its age, but has strong mechanics and much of its new metal finish. This early solid frame would be a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

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