While marketed, and widely recognized as an entirely new firearm, the Winchester 1897 is actually an evolution of the previous Model 1893, albeit a strong one. Essentially, the slide action shotgun was new technology and required the usual problem solving period of rapid competition and innovation. Winchester had started with a Browning design but their own engineers kept improving the 1893 until it became apparent that several major components needed changes. All prior upgrades and quite a few new were rolled into one major update: the 1897. The lineage was so direct that there was no new serial number range assigned for the new firearm, it just carried on the same sequence.
The most noticeable change on the 1897 is that the top of the receiver is now enclosed, preventing any cartridge failures from having direct access to the shooter’s face and providing more rigidity. Other modifications include improvements in the inertia lock system, an action unlocking button, a screw to prevent the magazine tube from rotating, and a longer stock with a steeper drop was fitted. While this was supposed to be the perfected Winchester pump action, more modifications followed for several years.
Pictured here is a “C” series takedown, introduced in 1898. By pressing a captive pin at the front of the magazine, users could turn it 180 degrees and pull it away from the receiver. Pumping further forward and then rotating the whole barrel assembly would free the interlocking barrel threads from the receiver, breaking the gun in half for storage and transportation. It quickly became the most popular seller at only $2 more and eventually the fixed frame version was dropped from production completely.
Winchester 1897 Serial Number List
Winchester manufactured just shy of one million Model 1897 shotguns, with the production taking place from July 1897 to September 1957. The Model 1897 was an improved. Serial number- 264416. This shotgun has a modified choke and a 2 3/4' chamber. This firearm also looks to have been manufactured in 1904. The Model 1897 was a superior slide-action exposed hammer shotgun that was specifically designed for the new smokeless powder. Winchester manufactured just shy of one million Model 1897 shotguns, with the.
Winchester 1897 Serial Number Lookup
- Model 1897 Model 1901 Model 1911 Model 1912 Model 1912 FW Model 20 Model 21 Model 23 Model 24 Model 25 Model 36 Model 37 & A Model 40 Model 41 Model 42 Model 50 Model 59 SG 96 Expert Model Model 101 Model 370 Model 1200 Model 1300 XTR Ranger Pump Ranger Semi-Auto Shotgun-Rifle Combo Super X Model 1. British Enfields Model 1917.
- Thank you very much for your reply. Firearm is marked winchester model 1897. Serial number is in the D 299XXX range which puts it around 1905-1906? The take down pin was originally in backwards but I fixed that. It seems to turn fully. The barrel is marked 12 Full. Tried the half mast. Will keep at it.