Make: Winchester

Model: 1893

Serial Number: 28569

Year of Manufacture: 1897

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 5/8" Chamber, Black Powder Only

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun.

Barrel Length: 30"

Choke: Fixed, our gauge measures Modified

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. The top of the receiver at the front has a groove which serves as a sighting plane.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece walnut set with grooved forend secured by three screws, semi-pistol grip stock, straight comb, and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some more notable dings in the buttstock. The slide handle is notably lighter in color than the stock. There are a couple of tiny cracks around the front edge of the wrist. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and oxidation with some iridescence consistent with exposure to heat. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some scattered light erosion and pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 25% of its metal finish. Most surfaces have gone to an even light patina with strongest finish in the magazine tube. There is scattered light wear and surface oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. 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 as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired 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 Model 1893 holds a distinguished place in the long line of firearms designed by John M. Browning for production by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Browning was working on a slide-action design when Winchester approached him to design a lever-action repeating shotgun to complement their lever-action rifles. While the introduction of their 1890 slide-action rifle caused a similar motivation to introduce a slide-action shotgun, Winchester also wanted to compete with the Spencer and Burgess slide action repeating shotguns. Their desire to compete in this market was so strong that Winchester actually bought out Burgess and discontinued production of their shotgun.

The 1893 was a superior design to both of these shotguns, being comfortable to operate and more robust than the competition. However, the gun was designed specifically for use with black powder shotshells, and was not strong enough to handle the higher pressures of smokeless powder which was gaining popularity in the early 1890s. For this reason, Winchester asked Browning to re-design a gun which would be compatible with the new propellant, and the iconic Model 1897 was born. The 1893 is particularly rare as once the 1897 was introduced, they offered to exchange one of the new models for any dealer or owner who wished to trade in their 1893. The traded in shotguns were then destroyed, severely reducing the number of shotguns that remained of the original 35,000 produced. Between this destruction and the 130 years which have passed since the gun's introduction, not many 1893s are left.

This example is from later production, serial 28569. The gun retains strong mechanics, a decent bore, and original finish. This would make a great addition to a Winchester collection missing an 1893 and is in better shape than most we have seen. Please see our pictures and good luck!