Make: Winchester

Model: 1897

Serial Number: E1018665

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1957

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾”

Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tubular Magazine, Takedown, Exposed Hammer

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN.CONN. / -U.S. OF AMERICA-”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “MODEL 97 - 12 GA. - 2 ¾ CHAM. / CYL.”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The left side of the receiver and buttstock both have the rack number “16”. The bottom of the receiver and extension are marked with matching serial numbers. There is an “E” additionally above the receiver's serial. 

Barrel Length: 20” Nominal. 20 ¾” Measured. 

Choke: Cylinder Fixed Choke.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead in a base at the muzzle. The receiver has a shallow groove at the front 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. The buttplate has been replaced. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 ?” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion but there are some fouling streaks down the length. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is mild operation wear. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The most notable wear is on the muzzle, and a few spots on the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. 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 shotgun looks and functions great. This is one of the better Riot guns we have seen come though the shop. These guns were built to serve and should exhibit a few light scratches and scuffs and this gun has just enough of the honest wear without abuse or neglect. It has rack marks so it has seen service and is likely to continue to serve well for the next half century.