Winchester 1897 info requested...

[SRGBV]

I have a 16ga. 1897, serial # 760xxx, which gives it a 1926 manufacture date. I'm trying to determine what grade it is and what its value might be. The barrel groove is matted and the stock and forearm are checkered. I think it might be a trap grade but there are no engravings. Photos attached

Thanks, Steve

 

[SRGBV]

...more photos here

 

[dprice3844444]

http://search.aol.com/aol/search?query=winchester+97+history&s_it=keyword_rollover

 

[rcmodel]

Whatever it is, it has been restocked.

The checkering pattern, pistol grip shape, and high-gloss finish doesn't match anything the factory did then.

The wood grain & figure, while very nice by todays walnut standards, isn't good enough for a trap grade back then either.

I'm guessing a re-stocked trap grade

rc

 

[floyd58523]

123

 

[JohnBT]

www.sportingcollectibles.com/wPhotos/w31313broadside1899m97.jpg

This 1900 ad for the 1897 lists a fancy stock as a $10 option and checkering as a $5 option. I haven't found of pic of the checkering yet. Winchester called it "checking", but it sounds strange to me.

That seems like a lot of money for options on a gun with a list price of $27.


According to this site -

http://homesteadfirearms.com/appraisals/1897winshotgun/1897-model-configurations.htm#c

- the Tournament grade guns had a straight grip. Who knows? I don't.

John

 

[floyd58523]

123

 

[303tom]

Different Grades of the Model 1897[10] Grade Gauge Barrel (inches) Production dates Remarks
Standard 12,16 30,28 1897-1957[11] Plain walnut stock with steel buttplate
Trap 12,16 30,28 1897-1931[11] Fancy walnut with checkering
Pigeon 12,16 28 1897-1939[11] Same as Trap, but hand-engraved receiver
Tournament 12 30 1910-1931[12] Select walnut; receiver top matte to reduce glare
Brush 12,16 26 1897-1931[11] Shorter magazine, plain walnut without checkering, solid frame
Brush Takedown 12,16 26 1897-1931[11] As above, but takedown frame
Riot 12 20 1898-1935[11] Plain walnut, solid or takedown frame
Trench 12 20 1917-1945[13] Same as riot gun but with heat shield, bayonet lug, and sling swivels

That is the TRAP grade............The TOURNAMENT grade only came in 12ga.

 

[floyd58523]

Upon further investigation the shotgun has a high probability of being a standard 16 gauge shotgun with a matted reciever and barrel. The bolt is not marked trap.

The wood is not original to the gun as no idea what type of stocks were on the gun. Winchester had the option on the 16 gauge to order a matted barrel on a standard shotgun. A matted receiver was offered as a special order option only for $ 2.00. in the old catalogs.

I stand corrected the gun can not be a tournament shotgun as they are only listed for the 12 gauge.

 

[1KPerDay]

whatever it is, it's cool.

 

[whalerman]

I have a '97 that locks up on me. My local smith can't fix it. I'd sure love to use it. Suggestions? He says its a very complicated gun and they're hard to get running again. He's my friend and I don't say anything about that.

 

[floyd58523]

Look for cowboy action shooters website in your area. Most of them will have adds for a gunsmith. They would have the most knowledge on how to fix your shotgun.