[jhawk73]

I inherited my father's 1897 12 Ga. The action is very interesting and unusual to me. however the barrel appears to have been sawn off at some point, either by my father or someone else. Does anyone know the barrel lengths that came in the 1897, and how they are measured to confirm it? I can't seem to locate a barrel from parts suppliers on the net. The gun is complete and in fair shape, I would like to put it back the way it was built. Any history or experience with this model would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Jerry

[amoroque]

Wikipedia has a great write-up on the 1897.

If you get a moment, check it out.

Winchester Model 1897 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[UnderFire]

The Winchester model 1897 or model 97 or M97 are all the same shotgun with interchangable parts for that particular model. Just make sure chambering is the same for the shotgun you own. The civilian model was chambered in 12 and 16 gauge with 28" or 30" barrels. The M97 (military issue) had shorter barrels for the trenches. You have a great piece of American history there.Oh BTW the 97 (12ga) will only chamber 2 3/4" or small 12ga. shells. Don't attempt to use modern size 12ga. shells in it. Enjoy-

[UnderFire]

The 20" barrel was standard on the M97, military issue only.

[jhawk73]

Thanks for the info all! The 1897 has sure been around. Glad to have it and hope to locate a barrel

[BillM]

Originally Posted by jhawk73

Thanks for the info all! The 1897 has sure been around. Glad to have it and hope to locate a barrel

It might also be a riot gun. Short barrel, no handguard or bayonet mount.
Are there any markings on it that might indicate it was used by a police
department, military guards, or a prison?

How short is it? Cowboy action shooters use cut down 97's, there may be a market for your old barrel, or even a trade for a full length one.

Is it a takedown or solid frame? (There is a joint just forward of the receiver
on the takedown). That will make a BIG difference in how hard it is to fit the new barrel.

How to measure: Measurement is from the front of the bolt with the action closed to the end of the muzzle. Drop a wooded dowel down the barrel until it hits the bolt face, mark at the muzzle, take out and measure.

What's the serial number? (use x's for the last few numbers). With that you can find the year of manufacture.

Try Gun Parts (Numrich) or maybe Jack First for a barrel.

[steve666]

Originally Posted by UnderFire

The 20" barrel was standard on the M97, military issue only.

My original 97 Trench Gun mfg in 1911 has a barrel length of just 18"

[UnderFire]

Originally Posted by steve666

My original 97 Trench Gun mfg in 1911 has a barrel length of just 18"

It could have...
The M97 Military Issue will have an emblem on the receiver depicting it's use for military. There's other types of model 97s, it was widely used in it's era. Law Enforcement also used the model 97 with short barrels.

Does yours have a military emblem on the receiver?
I believe the M97 was used mostly in WWI.

[jhawk73]

Thanks for all the info fellas, why i am fairly certain it is cut off is the fact that the barrel is not cut square and the end of the barrel is not chamfered by machine it looks like wear chamfered it and it is not blued. I am going to get it out and check for the markings you mentioned and for a serial number I will keep you all posted

Thanks again

[30-30remchester]

Originally Posted by UnderFire

The Winchester model 1897 or model 97 or M97 are all the same shotgun with interchangable parts for that particular model. Just make sure chambering is the same for the shotgun you own. The civilian model was chambered in 12 and 16 gauge with 28" or 30" barrels. The M97 (military issue) had shorter barrels for the trenches. You have a great piece of American history there.Oh BTW the 97 (12ga) will only chamber 2 3/4" or small 12ga. shells. Don't attempt to use modern size 12ga. shells in it. Enjoy-

Hello UNDERFIRE in your statement above you warn against using modern sized ammo? The 2 3/4" shotshell is the standard shotshell used throughout the world. It is the most fired and reloaded round in the world by a vast margin, military use excluded. What do you consider modern sized? Are you one of those guys that like shotshells as long as a maidens leg? Anyway I have enjoyed your previous posts. As to barrel length of 1897 Winchesters I have never heard of a factory 18" (doesnt mean they dont exist its that after my fairly extensive reading I have never heard of this length). The 20" was avalable in cylinder bore, made both for the military and civilian markets. Improved cylinder barrels were 26" modified were 28" full were available 30" and 32". It is easy then to determine if it is original lenght. Measure your barrel and then check choke markings on the barrel. If it doesnt match the length for choke indicated then it has been shortened.