Winchester 1897 Model 97 Takedown 12 GA Pump-Action Shotgun C&R 1916
SOLD FOR: $980.01
WOA#: WY230109MA004
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take Down Model
Serial Number: E 587060
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A.” above patent dates and is followed by “12GA”. The left side of the chamber is marked “FULL”. The top of the chamber and the top of the receiver are both marked with ovalled “WP” proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “E / 587060”. The buttpad is marked, “TRADE WHITE LINE MARK Pachmayr GUN WORKS LOS ANGELES 15. CALIFORNIA U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: 19.75″ Custom Cut
Choke: The choke reads full FULL on the barrel but our choke gauge is reading between Improved Cylinder and CYL-12.
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 replacement brown rubber recoil buttpad. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, light scrapes, and compressions. Some of the most noticeable marks on the buttstock are on the left side of the buttstock There are no chips or cracks in the buttstock. The left side of the forend has a small fracture that runs the length of 4 ribs. The LOP measures 13.85″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13″ to the wood. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, areas of thinning, areas of finish loss, spots of light surface oxidation, and areas of light patina. The wear is pretty evenly dispersed. The action shows operational wear. 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, and is smooth. 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 one is over 100 years old and is still ready for use, with its short barrel it would be great for Cowboy Action Shooting. The bore is bright and the action functions properly, a perfect shooter. Winchester 97s are a hell of a time to shoot and everyone should have one, why not make this one yours? Please see our photos, specs below, and good luck!