WWII U.S. Winchester 97 Trench Gun 1897 12 GA 20 3/4″ Pump Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $7,476
LSB #: 231108DM004
Make: Winchester
Model: 97, Trench Gun
Serial Number: E953286
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″
Action Type: Takedown Tubular Magazine Fed Pump Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 20″ Nominal, 20 3/4″ Measured
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a metal bead mounted to the bayonet lug assembly. The barrel had a previously installed bead ground off.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a grooved slide handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate and a sling plate in the belly (there is a sling swivel mounted to the bayonet lug assembly). The grip has a loss at the bottom-front edge. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood is proud to the plate. The plate has scattered wear, most notable at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, most has gone to a light patina. The bayonet lug/heat shield assembly has gone to a fairly uniform light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This firearm has not been test fired, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a brown leather sling.
Our Assessment: After observing the Great War for the first three years, it became clear to the U.S. that serious close-range firepower was needed in trench warfare. The Model 1897 Trench grade was an evolution of this idea. The pre-existing Winchester Model 1897 was modified by adding a perforated steel heat shield over the barrel which protected the hand of the user from the barrel when it became over-heated, and an adapter with bayonet lug for affixing an M1917 bayonet. They were so effective and brutal in combat that the German high command once announced they would execute any US soldier captured with one in his possession. The 1897 Trench Gun would go on to see service in the second World War all the way through to the Gulf War.
This trench gun has proper markings, configuration and is in the correct serial range for a genuine WWII Trench Gun. The barrel previously had a bead installed, but it is now known that there were genuine trench guns assembled with commercial barrels after their beads were installed, known as “ground-bead trench guns”. The gun shows wear consistent with service, but is in good mechanical condition and retains its original metal finish. This is a nice military 97 that will be tons of fun to shoot at the range and will be a nice addition to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
