



Yes the 20″ barrel is marked Winchester model 97 2/3/4″ cyl made in New Haven conn. The 30″ barrel is also marked model 97 Winchester 12 ga.2/3/4 chamber mod. serial # on receiver and 30″ barrel E646815. n0 serial# on 20″ barrel. lines run longitudinal the full length of barrel. The lines are perfectly spaced and you can feel these lines if you insert small finger in the end of barrel.
Dennis Flaim said
Yes the 20″ barrel is marked Winchester model 97 2/3/4″ cyl made in New Haven conn. The 30″ barrel is also marked model 97 Winchester 12 ga.2/3/4 chamber mod. serial # on receiver and 30″ barrel E646815. n0 serial# on 20″ barrel. lines run longitudinal the full length of barrel. The lines are perfectly spaced and you can feel these lines if you insert small finger in the end of barrel.
Based on the markings you describe on both barrels, neither one of them is factory original to the gun. The s/n you mention was manufactured in February 1917 per the factory records, and the gun is a Model “1897”. Winchester did not begin marking the chamber length on the barrels until the year 1930. If you inspect the bottom of the barrels, you should find a 2-digit year number stamped near the take down extension.
The slide bar on the barrel assemblies should be marked accordingly as shown in the picture below. However, it too may have been swapped out and have a later style marking, or no marking at all.
The original barrel(s) were marked as shown in this picture.
As for the scoring in the barrel, it is not factory work. To the best of my knowledge Winchester did not ever manufacture a slug or “Deer Slug” barrel for the Model 97. On other Winchester model shotguns, the slug barrels were rifled (the grooves twist inside the barrel).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
As for the scoring in the barrel, it is not factory work. To the best of my knowledge Winchester did not ever manufacture a slug or “Deer Slug” barrel for the Model 97. On other Winchester model shotguns, the slug barrels were rifled (the grooves twist inside the barrel).Bert
I agree. But just guessing what Bubba might have done?
November 7, 2015

Chuck said
Bert H. said
As for the scoring in the barrel, it is not factory work. To the best of my knowledge Winchester did not ever manufacture a slug or “Deer Slug” barrel for the Model 97. On other Winchester model shotguns, the slug barrels were rifled (the grooves twist inside the barrel).
Bert
I agree. But just guessing what Bubba might have done?
I’m wondering if someone used a makeshift or defective mandrel to remove a dent.
Mike
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