1925 Winchester Model 1897 12 GA 20" Takedown Pump Action Shotgun Our Assessment: The Winchester 1897 has served millions of Americans as the go-to shotgun for the home, trench, field or cowboy shooting gun cart. It is one of the most produced American shotguns, and for good reason. The action is strong and reliable, designed by John Moses Browning, it takes down easily, yet functions simply and indefinitely. During the first 12 years of production, Winchester made 37 major and 52 minor changes to the Model 1897 culminating in the "e" guns (as this one is) and a prize in any Winchester collection.This gun has survived the years, almost 100 of them now, without being chopped or abused. It is an honest and well used shotgun that has been cared for. The bore is bright and the action is still tight for you to take this home and make it your new go-to. We would even turn the other direction if you wanted to make it your SASS gun. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
Make: Winchester
Model: 97 Takedown
Serial Number: 752928
Year of Manufacture: 1925 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 12)
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20 1/2"
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the barrel above the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood featuring a ribbed forend, a semi-pistol grip, a straight comb and a Winchester hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows light to moderate nicks, scratches, dings and some minor handling and storage marks. The forend had scuffing marks, a chip at the left rear and a long crack along the underside from the rear edge going forward. The buttstock has patches of finish loss and speckled chipping along the rear edge. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate had stuttered impact marks and is slightly proud to the wood on the sides. The stocks are in Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows part of the barrel and the majority of the receiver have gone to a brownish patina. There is moderate operational wear on the magazine tube. There are scattered nicks, dings, scratches and handling marks throughout. There is thinning and contact wear at some of the leading edges. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam fire as designed. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic's check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
SHOTGUNS