Winchester Model 97

[orbust]

Inherited an interesting shotgun along with a pile of guns. I am trying to figure out what this is worth and whether I want to keep it. It has a hammer and is a model 97 which I believe is more or less the same as a 1897 (WW1 era trench shotgun) but with updates and long barrel. It shoots smooth and because of the hammer you can pump shoot it by holding the trigger which is an interesting experience to say the least. I am wondering what this gun might be worth, its in near pristine condition.

[SkyHawk]

All pump shotguns have hammers, the 1897 hammer just happens to be exposed. You can also pump fire the Model 12, which has an internal hammer. The benefit of the exposed hammer, is you can see if it is cocked; and you can lower it for storage with a round in the chamber and then cock it when you need to, and without making any noise.

You do have to be careful of hitting yourself in the face with the bolt though, especially if you are used to shooting ARs with your nose on the charging handle

Anyhow, that gun is worth some money if it is in good condition, perhaps $1000 or more. From the limited pics, it looks to be in nice shape. I don't know if that buttpad is original, but I don't think so. That would keep the gun from getting crazy money because the stock has probably been shortened.

[orbust]

Thanks for the reply... I meant exposed hammer. Its the only shotgun I have that has one. I have only seen them in pictures of old shotguns.

Would it automatically mean the stock was shortened if it has an aftermarket buttpad to you? Its clearly an aftermarket NoShoc rubber pad.

[NoHeavyHitter]

While those guns are not at all rare, it is somewhat rare to see one in such nice condition. They are popular with the shooters who dress up like cowboys.

I bought mine (same as yours) and lopped off the barrel to 18.5 inches because they are so compact when taken down. The takedown procedure is easy and not hard to find if you're not familiar with it.

I say keep it!

[TMB 1]

Thanks for the reply... I meant exposed hammer. Its the only shotgun I have that has one. I have only seen them in pictures of old shotguns.

Would it automatically mean the stock was shortened if it has an aftermarket buttpad to you? Its clearly an aftermarket NoShoc rubber pad.

One of my 97s measures 13 and almost 1/8 inches from the back of trigger guard to middle of stock, 13 1/4" to back of butt plate. My Chinese 93/97 measures the same. My other 97 that belonged to my Great Grandpa, I did not measure because it has definitely been shortened and has a home made butt plate.

[SkyHawk]

Thanks for the reply... I meant exposed hammer. Its the only shotgun I have that has one. I have only seen them in pictures of old shotguns.

Would it automatically mean the stock was shortened if it has an aftermarket buttpad to you? Its clearly an aftermarket NoShoc rubber pad.

It is hard to say if the stock is cut. Your pic has the buttpad throwing a shadow and at first I thought it was a massive buttpad which would have necessitated a cut. But perhaps not upon second glance. You need to measure from the trigger face (which is the typical reference point) to the rear of the wood then compare with other known examples.

[FeuerFrei]

My daughter has an original. Fantastic shooter and still worthy of HD duty.
She's getting scary good with it too.

Easy to unload/load. Half cock for carrying around and easy to swing. What's not to like?

OP's 97 has a nice finish.

[shootthehorses]

I'd be interested if you want to sell it. I also have an 870 if you're interested in some sort of trade.

[orbust]

While those guns are not at all rare, it is somewhat rare to see one in such nice condition. They are popular with the shooters who dress up like cowboys.

I bought mine (same as yours) and lopped off the barrel to 18.5 inches because they are so compact when taken down. The takedown procedure is easy and not hard to find if you're not familiar with it.

I say keep it!

Yeah I figured it out and got it apart, really nice feature! I wouldn't mind cutting it down either, but I think this one is going to stay stock as it was originally her grandfathers... Definitely keeping it.

[orbust]

One of my 97s measures 13 and almost 1/8 inches from the back of trigger guard to middle of stock, 13 1/4" to back of butt plate. My Chinese 93/97 measures the same. My other 97 that belonged to my Great Grandpa, I did not measure because it has definitely been shortened and has a home made butt plate.

It is hard to say if the stock is cut. Your pic has the buttpad throwing a shadow and at first I thought it was a massive buttpad which would have necessitated a cut. But perhaps not upon second glance. You need to measure from the trigger face (which is the typical reference point) to the rear of the wood then compare with other known examples.

Thanks. I get 12" to end of wood from trigger face, 12 3/4 to end of butt pad. Better pictures of stock and butt pad included. After playing around with it a bit, I am guessing that bolt could take a chunk out of your hand.

[orbust]

I'd be interested if you want to sell it. I also have an 870 if you're interested in some sort of trade.

Thanks for the offer, but I think we are hanging on to it, it was passed down from my wifes grandfather. I am just realizing if we don't register it in her name we have to go through an FFL.... for an inherited shotgun... stupid.

[highpower]

I'm not sure when they changed the nomenclature from "Model 1897" to just "Model 97", but I believe that it was sometime in the 1920's. Go to one of the many internet sites that can translate the serial number to a manufacture date if you are interested in when it was made.

I have a 1917 vintage Model 97 that was originally made as a riot gun and then later on was converted into a trench gun. I have had this one for many years and it is not only still viable as a home defense weapon, but it's a neat conversation piece. So many have been cut down for cowboy use that is is refreshing to see one that still has the original barrel length.

[AR22]

Nice old 97..I did chop one down at one time and made a fake trench..I would not chop that one up of course..Hard to say without seeing it in person..But it hints to me that it may have been reblued at one time..Nice old classic though.

Stock may have been shortened for a kid to use it..

[SkyHawk]

Thanks. I get 12" to end of wood from trigger face, 12 3/4 to end of butt pad. Better pictures of stock and butt pad included. After playing around with it a bit, I am guessing that bolt could take a chunk out of your hand.

Yeah it seems likely to have been cut. Not a big deal if you are keeping it, and it is still valuable to all but the purest of purists. I like that length of pull myself.

And the bolt can also take a chunk out of your nose or eye if you aren't wary. Some people (like me) like to really tuck in tight on a long gun. I am one of those guys who has to really be careful running the 1897.

wouldn't you have to cock the unloaded gun (so the trigger will move forward) and re-measure to get the true length of pull (LOP)?

I don't think the trigger moves forward much if any when the hammer is back but you can double check with it cocked.

[NoHeavyHitter]

Yeah I figured it out and got it apart, really nice feature! I wouldn't mind cutting it down either, but I think this one is going to stay stock as it was originally her grandfathers... Definitely keeping it.

Don't cut anything on that gun! While they are plentiful, not many are in as good of original condition as yours. Stocks and barrels are easy enough to find, so pick up spares for any changes you make.

I only cut mine because it was in just average condition and is not a collectable piece. I also mounted a "grind to fit" kick-ease recoil pad and cut the LOP on the boat-oar length stock.

A lot of people who have these convert them to "trench guns" and it's said that more fake trench guns are floating around than were ever originally made. So there are various conversion parts (new production) that are available should you go that route.