Barry,

The serial number identifies it as a January 1900 production gun. I have never found or seen a Model 1897 Riot Gun in 16-ga, all of them were 12-ga guns. Therefore, tt is extremely likely that the barrel has been cut down. What is the choke marking on the barrel? What is the exact distance from the muzzle face to the sight bead? If the rubber pad is removable, take it off and check to see if it still has the smooth steel butt plate. The Cody Firearms Museum records office has the original factory ledger record for this gun, but it will cost you $70 to get a letter if you are not a member.

Bert

Barry knight said

Thank you for the quick response, Bert. I was able to get the markings on the barrel: 16 and the word Full. I will unfortunately forgot to check the length from the muzzle plate to the bead but I that would put it under 18 1/4 inches for sure. The gentleman swears that the gun was not altered and seems surprised that I would ensunaute that it is. Hmmm, sounds fishy, but perhaps it was custom ordered that way back in 1900? Also, when I investigated the butt I couldnt see any visible screws to remove it from the stock, but he assured me that it could. I wish I would  have gotten photos but my phone died at the meeting.  I told him 300$, does that seem offensive to ask? Thanks again. Barry

Barry,

I asked you to measure the distance from the muzzle face to the front sight bead… it should be exactly 1/2″.  However, I can already assure you that the barrel has been cut down (shortened) by at least 8-inches.  The “FULL” choke marking is the clue.  Originally, the barrel was 28-inches long.

$300 was too generous of an offer… that gun is not worth even $200. 

Bert

Barry knight said

Also, Bert, the forearm has screws though it. They look older and authentic. They do not look shotty or unprofessional, however, I’ve read that they could have been used to repair it. There are older well oiled cracks on the forearm as well. They are subtle, but on inspection you can see  them. Again, I want to add that the gun is solid and feels good. The forearm doesn’t feel lose or compramisable. But, this must affect the value of the gun if this has been altered (like the barrel) from its original state, which I fully understand, is over a hundred years old… Jeez, that’s some history when I say it out loud. I really appreciate your feedback whether its factual or personal. 

Barry

Barry,

All of the “C” series Model 1897 shotguns were made with a 3-screw slide-handle stock, and they are very frequently found with cracks in them.  Winchester redesigned the slide-handle so that no screws were needed to attach it to the slide bar, and redesignated it the “D” series.

Yes, the cracked slide-handle stock negatively affects the value, as does the cut down barrel, and the altered butt.  Another thing to consider is the fact that it is chambered for a maximum 2-9/16″ shell. Modelrn 16-ga shells are 2-3/4″, and are not safe to shoot in that old gun.

Quite frankly, the gun is worth maybe $150 as a parts donor.  $300 is twice what it is worth, and the owner/seller can act as “surprised” as he wants to… while you walk away from it.

Bert

Barry,

There are lots of decent Model 1897 shotguns out there to choose from, and it is my personal favorite in the Winchester shotgun line-up.  If you wnat one in 16-gauge that you can shoot, it will need to be a Model “97” marked gun, and it needs to be marked “2 3/4 CHAM” on the left rear side of the barrel.

Bert