1897 Winchester riot gun inquiry...

[45acpguy]

Hey guys, I'm looking at a cool Winchester 1897 "riot gun". Serial number is early, 47,XXX which based on my findings put its production in 1898. Has a 20" CYL barrel and its definitely slam fire. The butt stock and pump fore arm are original to the shotty as well. The downside (but which is why I like it) is the previous owner turned it into a WW2 "trench gun by putting a WW2 style vented fore arm sheild, bayonet lug and swing swivels, then parkerized it in the traditional WW2 green/grey park.

Although its no longer in original condition, it was done professional and looks mean as hell. As a WW2 militaria collector, I'd love to display it along with my other WW2 weapons. I'd never be able to drop the coin for an original WW1/WW2 trench gun. I've seen these push $3-5 thousand in 75-90% condition.

What's a fair market price on a piece like this? Pump action cycles smoothly, bore is realitivly decent with minor pitting towards the front of the muzzle. Wood is in good shape as well. Current owner wasn't to hip on me taking pics to post it on the forum :/

Thanks!

[ChrisC]

A descent 97 can be gotten for around 400 -500. That is average price I see.

[MeatyMac]

If it has an original trench gun barrel shroud/bayonet lug assembly look at spending $600-$700, if the shroud is a repro. then I think ChrisC is right on the money.

[TRICKSTER]

If it's a full replica trench gun and done well, I have seen them go for $750-$1100.

[45acpguy]

So my idea of a fair offer isn't too far off from what I'm hearing. I was gonna offer $700. I'm almost certain he won't consider letting it go for no $500-600.

[renardsubtil]

Repro heat shields (with bayonet lugs) were around $100-200 at numrich when I was looking a few years back...to have it processionally mounted and stuff...I think your offer is fair enough.

[Grendl]

OP, did you get? Share pics?

[45acpguy]

Owner has his heels dug in at $900. Not sure I wanna drop that much for a replica. Its a real deal slam fire, 20" barrel riot gun though. The sheild and bayonet lug are not repros either. Also has an original Garand sling on it. I'm still working on him though...lol.

[TRICKSTER]

If the shield and bayo lug are original, I would go for it. They are worth some money, the repros go for $120+.

[cannon]

For $200 more go ahead. You won't find another one anyway.

[highpower]

I have a 1918 Model 97 that started out as a riot gun. Sometime around WWII or shortly thereafter, it was converted to a trench gun. Even though it isn't a "real" trench gun it is as close as I am likely to ever get.

A real trench gun barrel will not have a bead front sight or have the hole for one. The bead is on the shroud. Also there will be three clearance cuts under the barrel where the shroud screws tighten the front part of the band. Early shrouds will have six rows of vent holes and WWII shrouds have four.

$900 seems a little high, but then I haven't been keeping up with the market. I bought mine a few years ago in a package deal with a very nice '03 Springfield. IIRC, I paid a little over a grand for both guns.

Pic of the front end:

[Grendl]

The year of manufacture is going to further increase the value. It's a one piece as opposed to take-down model?

[45acpguy]

The year of manufacture is going to further increase the value. It's a one piece as opposed to take-down model?

Yes, its one piece.

[tileguy]

i have two take down models. i think one was from 1901 and the other from 1912 both are original shooters you can have either one for 550.00 and make your own riot or trench gun

[45acpguy]

I had to pass on the trench gun unfortunately. However, I was able to make a smoking deal on a beautiful 1955 SA M1 Garand. Matching receiver/barrel (+1 at muzzle and +2 throat), and the remaining parts are all arsonal (SA) matching as well and an original USGI stock. I'll post pics and share in 8 days!