Make: Winchester

Model: 1897, Solid Frame

Serial Number: 688825

Year of Manufacture: 1918

Gauge: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Pump Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Barrel Length: 30"

Choke: Full, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The top-front of the receiver has a sighting groove.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks and scratches, most finished over. There is a tiny crack in the bottom of the wrist behind the trigger guard. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is a little minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The balance is mostly in normal operational wear, most notable on the magazine tube. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and light scratches. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good 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 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 was popular with law enforcement agencies across the country. It was made in all types of configurations from riot, trench, and sporting like this one. The design has stood the test of time, it is still used to this day in the field and for Cowboy Action Shooting, a shooting discipline which likely uses the model harder than Browning ever envisioned. For those who are interested, this shotgun does retain the ability to slam fire.

This model 1897 was produced in 1918 and is a pretty example. It retains the great majority of its original metal finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. The stocks are checkered with a capped pistol grip. While the wood has been refinished and possibly replaced, it is no less attractive for that. This late solid frame would be a nice addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!