Make: Winchester

Model: 1897 Trap Gun

Serial Number: 288805

Year of Manufacture: 1905

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Pump-Action, Tubular Magazine, Takedown Barrel.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.” and “PAT. NOV. 25. 90. DEC. 6. 92. JULY 21. 96. FEB. 22. 98. JUNE 14. 98. OCT. 16. 1900. / 12” The action bar is marked “MODEL 1897 WINCHESTER TRADE MARK” The bottom of the barrel and receiver are marked “288805” The bolt is marked “TRAP GUN”

Barrel Length: Custom Ordered 26”. Trap gun barrels were typically 30” or 32”

Choke: Fixed, Full.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the top of the barrel. The top of the receiver is matted to reduce glare while aiming

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is in a 2 piece walnut configuration featuring a straight comb, aftermarket buttpad, checkered straight grip and checkered forend. The LOP is 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There are some very light scratches present in the stock but no chips or cracks. The buttpad has hardened and started to crack from age. The stock rates in Very Good condition. The checkering was a custom ordered from the Winchester factory.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is some light stubborn fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some light scratches present, as well as some light operational wear. The bluing is strong. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. This shotgun rates in FIne 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 requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Winchester Letter

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1897 is one of the most iconic and mechanically distinct shotguns ever made. Designed by the legendary John Moses Browning, this shotgun was wildly successful with sportsmen, law enforcement, and the military for much of the 20th century.

What makes this shotgun a true stand out piece is the many custom ordered features such as the checkered walnut furniture, matted receiver, and the 26” barrel. Most 1897 shotguns had smooth grips and a serrated forend, and the Trap Gun series usually featured a 30” or 32” barrel. The receivers also usually featured a small shallow groove in the top that served as a rear sight. This model 1897 was purpose built, likely as a competition shotgun. This shotgun is potentially a one of a kind trap gun that is sure to be that statement piece that every collection needs.

With 97% of its original blued finish intact, a brilliant bore, and factory configuration throughout, this 1897 is a collectors dream and would make a standout piece in any fine American shotgun or Winchester collection. If you’re after a rare and handsome early Trap Gun, this is the one to own.