Winchester Model 97 1897 20″ CYL Pump Action “Riot” Shotgun, MD 1941 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2576

LSB#: 210613GY09

Make: Winchester

Model: 97, “Riot”

Serial Number: 884957

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Gauge: 12 Ga.

Action Type: Pump Action shotgun, Tube Fed, Exposed Hammer

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MODEL 97-WINCHESTER-12 GA. / -TRADE MARK- / CYL”. The right side of the barrel is marked “-MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN.-” and with patent dates beneath. The top of the barrel is marked with a proof mark, as is the top of the frame which is off-set to allow for the matting. The bottom of the barrel extension is marked “884957”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “E / 884957”. The left side of the frame is inscribed “MD. STATE POLUICE”.

Barrel Length: 20 3/4” (uncut)

Choke: “CYL”

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver colored bead at the muzzle and a matted frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are uncut and original. Sling swivels have been added to the belly. The wood still shows the original finish, which has only a few scratches and stuffs and rates about 75%. The wood to metal fit is great and there is darkening of the finish where there is contact with the metal. There are no cracks. The number “6” has been stamped into both sides of the stock. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the original hard rubber butt plate, which has only light wear and nearly perfect fit. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright but in need for a more thorough cleaning. There is only no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The right side of the frame has some wear and thinning, consistent with rack storage. That said, for a police gun this shotgun is in surprisingly good condition. There is surface marking and edge wear, but it has not been abused. The forearm has worn the magazine tube, but there is even a lot of finish inside the action and on the action bar. A sling swivel has been added to the barrel band. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a special shotgun. CYL marked Winchester Riot guns are some of the most desirable of all the Winchester shotguns, add a wartime manufacture date, PD markings and you quickly get a shotgun worthy of even the most advanced collections. Yes this gun has wear, but no doubt a squad car rack caused it… and yes, swivels were added, but no doubt a PD armorer did it… Same for the markings… This is one of the best 97’s we’ve seen in a few cycles, bid early and bid often!