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Greetings All:
This recent observation had me scratching my head…I lined up four 97’s with the tangs in perfect alignment, and noted differences in lengths. The first two were mfg’d ca. 1948, the third 1957, & the last ca. 1917. All are 12 ga. with the exception of the last one (16 ga.).
The middle two measure exactly alike @ 13 1/4″ from where wood meets receiver, to where wood meets the buttplate. The one on the left measures 12 11/16″ from the same points, & the 16 ga. on the far right measures 12 3/4″.
The buttplates are all virtually identical in every aspect except overall lengths (measurement from top to bottom; heel to toe). There is absolutely NO indication of anything having been cut, modified, altered, etc. in ANY way, and the fit of all buttplaces are consistent.
I’m wondering if this was simply factory engineering changes, or if length-of-pull was an option…in particular on the first two which were mfg’d in the same year?
A different LOP was a special order option. Additionally, Winchester changed the LOP several times during the 60-year production run.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks for your expertise & prompt response Bert. About the time I usually feel I have a good working understanding of a particular model, I suddenly realize I really don’t. It’s truly an endless learning experience! 
D. T.
You are quite welcome, and it is indeed a continous learning experience. I have an extensive survey in progress for the Model 1893/1897/97 (for a future article). If you are interested in adding your Model 1897s to the survey, please get in touch with me.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Tell me which info you’d like, & I’ll get it to you.
Thanks again,
D. T.
All of them. This might be of interest to you – https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-survey-discussion/winchester-research-survey-discussion/
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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