Make: Winchester

Model: 97 Riot Gun, Solid Frame

Serial Number: E866568

Year of Manufacture: 1939

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20 1/2"

Choke: Fixed Cylinder Bore, Marked CYL

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, smooth semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks and scratches, most and more notable in the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The Winchester buttplate has scattered wear, most noticeable on the edges and at the heel, and a tiny loss at the toe with generally well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some minor erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The right-front of the receiver has been stamped with rack-number "15". The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered finish wear, mostly along the barrel, with the worn areas mostly gone to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks and scratches. There is infrequent minor oxidation. There 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. 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 Model 1897 is a pump-action shotgun that was designed and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It was introduced in 1897 and was widely used by law enforcement agencies, military forces, and civilians for decades. The 1897 Riot Gun was specifically designed for riot control, and it was used by police departments, prison guards, and even the military in the early 20th century. It had a shorter barrel than the standard Model 1897 shotgun, which made it more maneuverable in tight spaces. The Riot Gun differed from the Trench gun which had a heat shield that protected the user's hand from the hot barrel during rapid firing as well as a bayonet lug. One of the most significant features of the Winchester 1897 was its ability to be slam-fired, allowing the shooter to hold down the trigger and rapidly pump the gun, firing a round with each stroke. This was particularly useful for crowd control, as it allowed the user to fire multiple shots quickly and efficiently.

Today, the Winchester 1897 Riot Gun is a popular collector's item and is still used by some law enforcement agencies for riot control. Its historical significance and unique features have made it a sought-after shotgun among gun enthusiasts and collectors alike. This Winchester 1897 Riot is a very nice example, dating from just before WWII, and bears a rack-number on the receiver, strongly indicating law enforcement use. It will be a great addition to any Winchester or PD collection.

At nearly 90 years old, this is a testament to the J.M. Browning design, Winchester quality, craftsmanship and the work ethic of the generation who made it. This solid frame riot gun looks great and Winchester 97s are a hell of a lot of fun to shoot! Please see our photos and good luck!