Hey all,
I've been doing some searching for an original 1897 Winchester trench gun. Found a couple but not the "right" deal yet. Had some questions though. I pretty well understand all the markings and what not but wanted to ask a few questions.
I found what was described as an WWI trench, ser # range 675,xxx. It has the metal buttplate with the inletted "tear-drop" on the top. If and when was that butt plate used on trench guns? I have seen it on a wide range of ser #'s. Second, it has a 4-row heatshield which I have always heard was later WWII? This guy swears its all original but I just don't believe the heat shield is correct. From what I have read it should really have a 6-row.
Another "WWI trench" I found has the ser # of 649,0xx. I was told the WWI trench guns started at 650,xxx. Is that just an estimate to where this gun could actually be a U.S. gun or is the 650,xxx range documented?
Finally, I've seen numerous barrel lengths sticking out of the bayonet adapter. How much barrel should be showing at the muzzle?
Thanks for any help!
I've been doing some searching for an original 1897 Winchester trench gun. Found a couple but not the "right" deal yet. Had some questions though. I pretty well understand all the markings and what not but wanted to ask a few questions.
I found what was described as an WWI trench, ser # range 675,xxx. It has the metal buttplate with the inletted "tear-drop" on the top. If and when was that butt plate used on trench guns? I have seen it on a wide range of ser #'s. Second, it has a 4-row heatshield which I have always heard was later WWII? This guy swears its all original but I just don't believe the heat shield is correct. From what I have read it should really have a 6-row.
Another "WWI trench" I found has the ser # of 649,0xx. I was told the WWI trench guns started at 650,xxx. Is that just an estimate to where this gun could actually be a U.S. gun or is the 650,xxx range documented?
Finally, I've seen numerous barrel lengths sticking out of the bayonet adapter. How much barrel should be showing at the muzzle?
Thanks for any help!