Winchester 1897 Model 97 TakeDown 16 GA 20? Pump Slam-Fire Shotgun C&R 1903
SOLD FOR: $700
WOA#: WY230505SS005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897, Take Down Model
Serial Number: C 177796
Year of Manufacture: 1903
Caliber: 16 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”. The barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT.NOV.26.90.DEC.6.92.JULY.21.96.FEB.22.98.JUNE.14.98.OCT.16.1900” followed by “16 / FULL”. The left side of the chamber is marked “CYL”. 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 / 425227”. The buttplate is marked, “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.”.
Barrel Length: 20″ (Cut barrel)
Choke: The choke reads full FULL on the barrel and our choke gauge is reading CYL-16.
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 BOYD synthetic black buttplate. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, light scrapes, and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The buttstock is very clean. The Slide Grip is original, the buttstock is a modern production. The LOP measures 13.5″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with very light and even erosion throughout, not unexpected for its age but still well kept.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 35% 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 120 year old shotgun is in Very Good condition for its age.
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 120 years old and is still ready for use and is sure to be a great addition to any collection. 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!