EARLY Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Riot Shotgun Lettered "To-Russ" MFD 1901 Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1897 was designed by the legendary gunmaker John Moses Browning for Winchester. Browning improved upon his earlier Model 1893 design, with a stronger receiver that could sustain the pressure of smokeless powder shells. The 1897 came in dozens of configurations (calibers, grades and barrel lengths), making them a fun collector's interest. 1897 Riot Guns are of particular interest, as they are certainly Rarer than "bird guns" and almost certainly have a more colorful past. early 1897 Riot Guns will letter as originally being produced with a long barrel, going "To: Russ" and converted to Riot before ever leaving the factory. This explains the duplicate choke markings and is confirmed by this letter. This an honest, early example of a gun with a story we wish we could hear it tell.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1897 Solid Frame Riot Gun
Serial Number: C94083
Year of Manufacture: CA. 1901
Gauge: 12 Ga. 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun, Tube Fed, exposed Hammer
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. NOV. 25. 90. DeC. 6. 92. JULY 21. 96. FeB. 22. 98. JUNe. 14. 98." and "12". The choke marking was restruck at the factory, as was practice, from FULL to CYL. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked "C / 94083". The action bar is marked -"WINCHESTER / MODEL 1897".
Barrel Length: 20 3/8" (20" nominal)
Choke: Fixed Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead set on the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are wood with a grooved slide-handle secured by three screws at the rear, round-bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb and smooth steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, with a few more notable nicks, most in the buttstock. The wrist has the most handling wear with some cracks and a couple of filler repairs. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear around the edges with scattered light nicks and scratches, the face has mostly gone to a light patina. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is only very mild erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 40% of its metal finish and has wear consistent with a guard / riot intended use shotgun. The finish is thinning at most edges, with some scratches and dings to the flats and scattered erosion. The color has begun to drift towards patina, especially on the frame and tube. The left lower radius of the frame has had an electric pencil marking cleanly removed long ago (we almost missed this). The screw heads are lightly tool marked and the tube indexing screw is a replacement. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A Cody Letter confirming all features is included.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
SHOTGUNS