Winchester 1897 Model 97 Take-Down 12 GA 20″ Pump-Action Shotgun C&R 1908
SOLF FOR: $705
WOA#: WY231013DG051
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take-down model
Serial Number: 407383
Year of Manufacture: 1908
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Pump action with tubular magazine
Markings: The action bar is marked “Model 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A. / PAT.NOV.25.90.DEC.6.92.JULY 21.96.FEB.22.98JUNE14.98.OCT.16.1900. 12GA”. The left side of the barrel is marked “FULL”. The top of the chamber and receiver are marked with an oval WP proof. The underside of the barrel assembly is marked “407383”. The underside of the receiver is faintly marked “D”, “407383”. The bottom left of the receiver is marked “ODIN LORTON, VA” (an import mark).
Barrel Length: About 19.75”
Choke: The choke reads full FULL on the barrel.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel and a shallow groove at the front of the receiver which serves as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with grooved slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are numerous large scratches and nicks scattered throughout. There is a larger, more noticeable scratch on the right side of the buttstock. There is a chunk missing out of the left bottom of the grip at the receiver. Overall, the stocks are in Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, with corrosion throughout.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 60% of its finish. The receiver and barrel show some oxidation and light to mild erosion. The receiver is scratched. There are some minor nicks on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp but show signs of use. This shotgun rates as being in Good Overall Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The action is a bit sticky where the pump needs to be slammed firmly forward to allow reset so it can be pumped again.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1897, a pump-action shotgun designed by the legendary firearms inventor John Browning, holds a venerable place in the history of American firearms. First introduced in 1897 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, this shotgun was a refined version of Winchester’s earlier Model 1893, also designed by Browning. The Model 1897 was one of the first successful pump-action shotguns and was produced until 1957, with over one million units manufactured.
Distinguished by its exposed hammer and robust action, the Model 1897 was designed to fire a wider range of shells compared to its predecessor, including the newly developed smokeless powder ammunition. This shotgun was available in various grades and barrel lengths, catering to both the hunting and sport shooting markets. It was also offered in several different configurations, including the standard, trap, and trench models. The trench model, equipped with a bayonet lug and a heat shield, was notably used by American forces during World War I, giving it a significant role in military history.
The Winchester 1897’s impact on both civilian and military spheres is profound. Its reliable design set the standard for future pump-action shotguns and influenced numerous other designs in the 20th century. For collectors and firearms enthusiasts, the Model 1897 is not just a shotgun; it’s a piece of American history, a testament to Browning’s genius, and a symbol of the evolution of firearms technology. The Winchester 1897 remains a beloved and sought-after model for its historical significance, mechanical innovation, and the iconic role it has played in both hunting and combat. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
