Yes, that's an honest-to-goodness, original Winchester Model 1897 pump-action shotgun. It's chambered in 16 gauge, which is unfortunate as it's rather hard to find (okay, it's hard to find cheap, like 12 or 20 gauge). The serial number puts the date of manufacture sometime around 1911-1913, which is about right.
What's interesting is the 24" barrel - most sources put the standard 16 gauge barrel at 28", with 30" and 32" options available. The "trench guns" of WWI were 20" barrels. I haven't been able to find any information on 24" barrels, though. In any case, this is a really cool old shotgun, a Browning design that looks as good today as it did over 100 years ago.
Might have to pick up a repro (with bayonet mount, natch) in 12 gauge as a shooter...
That is all.
10 comments:
They are great old weapons. I've owned two in my life, sold both. Kick myself in the butt every time I think about it.
Nice blog, btw.
Ooooh! Purdy!
Jay,
Nice piece. I bet she'd send skeets running for the hills in sheer terror !!!
As for defraying the cost of 16ga ammo, when you don't have two urchins running around under foot, you could reload your own 16ga shells. Just a thought.
- Brad
Ummm-'scuse me. but why not shoot thissun? I have an 1892 from 1915 that loves to be taken out and put through the paces. And she always turns heads at the range.
I have the same in 12 gage. I really prefer the open hammer style as well. These aren't that uncommon in the used market if your inclined to a little clean up. I believe my dates from 1910 and I still use it periodically.
You can also find the Marlin 1898 which is very similar. Same hammer style as well.
I've thought of getting the trench gun look to mine, but I suppose I'd be more likely just to save my pennies and buy the real thing. Something so much more thrilling about having a gun that was there.
stephen,
I inherited this gun from my grandfather, so things would have to get pretty severe before I'd even consider selling it.
And thanks.
liberty,
One of these days I'm going to take it down, clean it up real nice and bring it to the range.
brad,
That's been suggested; however someone who's "in the know" WRT reloading says that even finding wads for 16 gauge is difficult...
roland,
Don't get me wrong - I'll still shoot it, just with the price of ammo in general and the lack of affordable 16 gauge ammo means she won't see a lot of range time.
I *love* the looks of the trench gun, plus I want the bayonet. Hence why I want the repro.
Nylarthotep,
Oh, certainly - if I came across a genuine 1897 that'd be preferable... But I can order the repro any time, and as a bonus don't have to worry about damaging an expensive heirloom.
I know! I'll get one of each!
Hell, I occassionally use my original 1887 lever-action 12ga for trap: talk about funny looks!
Got it originally for CAS, back before replicas were available. Handled one of the replicas a year or so ago: plan on getting one, and setting it up for trap (just because). But mine (dates to pre-1900) will still come out, be used to shoot cowboys, and suchlike...
My first thought was,"Gee, Jay has a lot of the guns that I have."
My second thought was,"No stupid, Jay has all the guns that everyone else has."
strings,
I want to use my Saiga-20 for trap. After I get the folding stock and the 20 round drum...
dr mac,
Now that's simply not true - I do not own a single Glock.
Or a 10/22, if you can believe it...
Sweet! My brother and I inherited a couple of 16-gauges passed down from our Dad and Grandfather. I can imagine dear old "Pepa" looking askance at the "fancy" pump gun. Too many moving parts.
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