Make: Winchester

Model: 97 Riot Gun, Solid Frame

Serial Number: 866433

Year of Manufacture: 1939

Caliber: 12 Gauge with 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20" nominal, 20 1/4″ measured.

Choke: Fixed Cylinder

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored 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, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber buttplate. There is a crack on the bottom of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered compressions, draglines, areas of finish loss, nicks, and some scratches. There are some areas of discoloration. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. There is some finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are some scattered spots of erosion and discoloration from previous erosion. There are some oil stains. There are some scattered handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear, the action bar markings are light but clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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. The bore is bright and the action functions properly, at nearly 100 years old this is a testament to the J.M. Browning design, Winchester quality, and craftsmanship & work ethic of the generation who made it. This solid frame riot gun looks great and will be a nice addition to a collection. Plus, 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 and good luck!