Scarce and Attractive Winchester Model 1893 30" Pump Action shotgun, MFD 1897 ANTIQUE
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1893 was a groundbreaking pump-action shotgun that was designed by the legendary gunsmith John Moses Browning. Unlike Browning's Model 1887 which had a lever-actuated action, this was a true pump-action shotgun. Although an extremely well designed firearm, the Model 1893 could not sustain the pressure from smokeless powder shells which forced Browning to improve the 1893. His efforts yielded the Winchester Model 1897, an improved version of the m/1893 that was made to fire smokeless powder shells. Winchester retrieved as many 1893's as they could and replaced them with 1897's, making the model seldom-seen. Although it had a short lived production run (ca 1893-1897), the m/1893 would serve as the basis for some of the most successful shotguns ever to be made (the Model 1897 and later Model 1912).This particular specimen was made near the end of the gun's production run in early 1897. This can be ascertained by the "B" marking above the serial number; guns marked this way are dated between January and June of 1897. These guns (the Model 1893 shotguns that is) could not safely fire smokeless powder rounds, and can only safely fire black powder shells which are now obsolete. The gun has wear typical of an ANTIQUE firearm, but it remains mechanically sound. This a great option for historical firearms collectors.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1893
Serial Number: 28148
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1897, ANTIQUE
Gauge: 12 Gauge Black Powder
Choke: Full choke, Fixed
Action Type: Pump-Action Shotgun fed by a Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. MODEL 1893 PAT. NOV. 25. 1890 & DEC. 6. 1892." and "12" (the gauge designation). The action slide bar is marked "WINCHESTER / MODEL 1893". The bottom of the barrel is marked "30". The bottom of the receiver is marked "B / 28148".
Barrel Length: 30"
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead fixed by the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two-piece wood featuring a corn cob style forend, a rounded pistol grip, a straight comb and a smooth steel butt-plate. The forearm appears to have received a new coat of varnish at some point in time but is sound and free of cracks. The stock shows a little imperfect wood to metal fit and some cracks at the wrist. The fit may be shrinkage as the finish looks old and possibly original. There are many dings and bruises in the wood. The LOP is 13 7/8" from the trigger to the rear of the butt-plate. The butt-plate is generally brown with erosion. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition for an ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with only the lightest and most scattered erosion. exceptional for the age.
Overall Condition: The shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The gun has routine handling marks, some nicks, patches of finish loss and scuffs. With that said, this gun is in far better condition than we usually see these, the vast majority of the finish is retained and it is a very attractive shotgun. The markings are clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the shotgun is in Very Good condition for an ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun can be slam-fired which is done by holding the trigger and pumping forend to fire the gun, this how the gun was designed.We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Cody Letter is included, confirming all features.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
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