Guns International #: 102819025
Seller's Inventory #: 2541

Category - Military Shotguns - US - Winchester Shotguns - Model 97

Category
Military Shotguns - US
Winchester Shotguns - Model 97

WW1, U S marked, Bomb Proofed Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame, 12 Ga. Military Shotgun made in 1917

Description:
When I finally was able to buy this Winchester 1897 Military shotgun about 20 years ago, I had already been 15 years in coaxing the owner to let me buy it. This Solid Frame (not takedown) Winchester 1897 started life as a Trench Gun in WW1. My friend's dad, a WWII veteran like my father, bought this shotgun just after the war. Not long after getting it, and finding out that a Cylinder choke was no good for pheasants, a brand new 30" full choke barrel was mail ordered from Winchester. Mail ordered barrels came with 2 proof marks set at 90 degrees to one another to indicate that the barrel was a replacement. This is shown clearly in the pictures. The only thing not original, as far as I can tell, is the barrel. The stock was not replaced. I heard the story of the amazing 97 several times in my youth from my friend's dad. I even got to see the original trench gun barrel with the shroud and bayonet when I was about 12 before it dissappeared. I had no idea how big of a deal the missing barrel would turn out to be. My friend's dad passed away in 2002 at the age of 84. He always told me that I could buy the 97 from his son after he was gone, if his son was willing to sell it. Well, my friend was a trap shooter and didn't really care much for the 97, plus he had his dad's model 12 collection including a couple of 42s. I am really still looking for an original Trench Gun barrel to restore the 97, but if I have learned anything, I will probably never find one. I am hoping that someone will see this and can point me in the right direction, but as of now I am putting it up for sale. Check out the pictures, this is the real deal. I do not have any bill of sale or any original paperwork but I have had experts check it out and they have verified its origins. Please contact me with suggestions.

TERMS – PLEASE READ;

PAYMENT - I can accept money orders, cashier’s checks, bank checks, or personal checks (pending verification of funds).  Payments via USPS & UPS are acceptable.
My FFL dealer (Dixie Gun & Fish) securely packs and ships each firearm, following all firearms laws, and will include a signed copy of their FFL with each firearm shipped. No private sales on firearms!

SAFETY WARNING- Buyer is solely responsible for determining that a used gun is safe to shoot. The firearms offered may or may not have been test fired and some have been only visually inspected. It is a requirement that every used firearm is inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing. The buyer agrees to hold seller harmless against damages, injury, or death caused by defective merchandise.

RETURN POLICY- All firearms come with a 3-day non firing, no-tinkering with (turning screws, taking apart, removing parts, scoping. firing, cleaning or altering in any way) inspection/return privilege. Inspection is based on a visual review of the firearm to confirm that it is in the condition stated. In the case of a return, the buyer pays all shipping charges. Please ask questions. I appreciate your interest, and I thank you for your consideration.
 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1897
Serial Number: 646748
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Condition: Very good
Metal Condition: normal wear
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Very Good
Action: Slide Action Shotgun
Stock: Military Walnut
Butt Pad: Steel
Manufacture Date: 1917
Chokes: Full
Extras: US marked, Bomb Proof