Winchester Model 1897

The Model 1897 was an evolution of the earlier Model 1893, designed by John Browning. It was the first truly successful pump-action shotgun produced. From 1897 until it was discontinued by Winchester in 1957, over a million of these guns were produced in various grades and barrel lengths. 16-gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12-gauge guns were furnished with 30-inch barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches.

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Winchester Model 1897 12 gauge

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Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun 12 gauge

Originally produced as a tougher, stronger version of the Winchester 1893, the 1897 was identical to its forerunner except for the receiver, which was thicker and allowed the use of smokeless powder shells, which were relatively new at the time. The 1897 also introduced a "take down" design, where the barrel could be taken off, which is standard in modern pump-action shotguns like the Remington 870. Production drew to a close in the late 1950s, when the "modern" hammerless designs became widespread, and it was gradually superseded by the Winchester Model 1912, with which it was coexisting.

Military Use

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Winchester Model 1897 "Trench Gun" (Norinco reproduction) 12 gauge

The United States military used a short-barreled version, often called the "trench gun" by US troops, who made extensive use of it in both World Wars. This version was modified by adding a perforated steel heat shield over the barrel, and an adapter with bayonet lug for affixing a M1917 bayonet.

Unlike most modern pump-action shotguns, the M1897 fired each time the action closed with the trigger depressed (that is, it lacks a trigger disconnector). That and its six-shot capacity made it extremely effective for close combat, and its devastating results forced the German government to protest (in vain) to have it outlawed in combat. The M1897 was used in limited numbers during World War II by the United States Army and Marine Corps, although it was outnumbered by the hammerless Model 1912 trench guns, which were now more common in the hands of US troops.

The Winchester Model 1897 shotgun has appeared in the following films, video games and anime, used by the following actors: