Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:51:29 +0000

So, they accounted for the additional length of the takedown. That's what I needed to know, thanks.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:45:28 +0000

MotorCDR said
Okay, before I do any cutting, is the bbl length supposed to be an EXACT 20" from breech face to muzzle? Sometimes manufacturers fudge the numbers a little for convenience, such as a revolver with 2-1/4 inch bbl length being commonly called a "2-inch" . . .

The Solid frame guns were 20". The later Take Down guns were usually 20.5".

Bert

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:41:42 +0000

rogertherelic said
I am curious, weren't the 1897 Trench Guns all solid frame guns? I thought with the 'heat sheild' in place the magazine tube couldn't be rotated? RDB

Roger,

All of the WW I Model 1897 Trench Guns were the Solid frame variation. The WW II Model 97 Trench Guns were all Take Downs.

Bert

rogertherelic on Model 1897 takedown question

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:04:57 +0000

I am curious, weren't the 1897 Trench Guns all solid frame guns? I thought with the 'heat sheild' in place the magazine tube couldn't be rotated? RDB

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:44:28 +0000

Okay, before I do any cutting, is the bbl length supposed to be an EXACT 20" from breech face to muzzle? Sometimes manufacturers fudge the numbers a little for convenience, such as a revolver with 2-1/4 inch bbl length being commonly called a "2-inch" . . .

Bert H. on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:20:38 +0000

Zebulon said
I would guess this is one case of a Cutts Compensator not adversely affecting value.

Just as long as there is no factory choke marking on the barrel...

Zebulon on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:19:16 +0000

I would guess this is one case of a Cutts Compensator not adversely affecting value.

James W on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 22:27:27 +0000

Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

MidwestCrisis on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:07:07 +0000

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1047/4700/jasper-salerno-engraved-winchester-model-12-slide-action-shotgun

Here’s one that sold in 2024. Neat guns.

Bert H. on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:39:05 +0000

Winchester Model 12 Jasper Salerno for sale (gunsinternational.com)

tionesta1 on model 37 shootguns

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:51:36 +0000

Bo Rich said
I read that the Model 37 kept Winchester afloat financially. So, I believe that it was a very important gun for them. It is a very well made single shot shotgun that has a nice look to it. The modified hammer is very quick to use, and it even ejects its empties!
A collection of these can be had for a very modest cost, with the exception of the 28 gauge Model. Which should always be a Red Letter. Even the rarer beginners 20 gauge model can be bought cheaply when found. The 32” barrel guns are kinda neat, and they too won’t put the collector back very much. The .410 Model can also be found very affordable. Even high condition models can be found today modestly priced. Maybe, not for everybody. But, if a collector wanted to keep his cost down, and still have a nice collection of Winchesters. I can see that this might be appealing.

I agree Bo

Bo Rich on model 37 shootguns

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:50:12 +0000

I read that the Model 37 kept Winchester afloat financially. So, I believe that it was a very important gun for them. It is a very well made single shot shotgun that has a nice look to it. The modified hammer is very quick to use, and it even ejects its empties!
A collection of these can be had for a very modest cost, with the exception of the 28 gauge Model. Which should always be a Red Letter. Even the rarer beginners 20 gauge model can be bought cheaply when found. The 32” barrel guns are kinda neat, and they too won’t put the collector back very much. The .410 Model can also be found very affordable. Even high condition models can be found today modestly priced. Maybe, not for everybody. But, if a collector wanted to keep his cost down, and still have a nice collection of Winchesters. I can see that this might be appealing.

Anthony on model 37 shootguns

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:47:06 +0000

A late friend of mine had over a dozen of them and would get excited talking about a "Red lettered one". Didn't do anything for me as I listened as friends do. I found it funny, because we used to travel everywhere buying up collections or individual pieces, as we had some great times doing it, and his famous line was that he didn't do shotguns! LOL! Then some later years as we kinda both slowed down and things changed in the market as far as buying things. He wound up with several of those darn things, that never grew on me.

Once again, "Different Strokes"!

Tony

James W on Jasper Salerno's Model 12..........

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:51:35 +0000

I see that Jasper Salerno's Model 12 is for sale on Guns International. It is a beautiful gun. If you want to check it out it is number: 102819578. Just type that number into the QUICK SEARCH box at the top of the page. It is truly a gorgeous job of engraving.

Zebulon on model 37 shootguns

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:42:57 +0000

The Model 37 was, in my youth, the Cadillac of single barrel shotguns - unless you want to include the Ithaca trap gun of which we were ignorant.

I was recently given a postwar Model 37 16 gauge by a declining friend. I have no immediate need for it but it has been very well cared for and will make a fine teaching tool for somebody some day.

The original plastic buttplate is gone and a deteriorated aftermarket pad had been screwed on. The stock was never cut square and I have the correct buttplate that I need to install and sand to size.

On the other hand, it would make a better teaching tool if it had a modest soft pad.