Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Bert H. on Winchester Model 1897 Take Down Trench Shotgun

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:55:08 +0000

The mismatched serial numbers indicate the production dates were February and December 1915 respectively.

It is not possible to answer any of your questions about the use & history of the gun.

Bert

countryliving2019 on Winchester Model 1897 Take Down Trench Shotgun

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:34:57 +0000

Model 1897 12 Gauge shotgun full choke 2 3/4 in chambered barrel with breach & action. 28 in barrel was changed because shotgun originally riot gun at San Quentin prison. Excellent condition. Has 30 in barrell.

Serial Numbers: 623087/634062

I would like to know more info on who used the gun? What time period at San Quentin Prison? Who do I contact at San Quentin? How would I go about finding this out?? Thanks

James W on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:52:08 +0000

Okay. Thanks.

Bert H. on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:39:26 +0000

James W said
Or you could check with the Cody Museum and see if they have the paperwork. If they do, that might tell you if it was made as a two barrel set. Several ways to tell. Good luck.

Cody has no records for the Model 1912 except for the Polishing Room serialization records.

Bert

James W on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:07:42 +0000

What are the two numbers on the barrels? Do they both match the serial number on the gun? Does one of the barrels have the name SIMMONS on the side of the rib? They usually put their name on their barrels. Or you could check with the Cody Museum and see if they have the paperwork. If they do, that might tell you if it was made as a two barrel set. Several ways to tell. Good luck.

1790skeeter on Model 12 20ga 2 bbl set

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:56:40 +0000

Afternoon, I’m wondering if there’s anyone that could help me figure out if the gun I inherited was a 2 barrel set from the factory or if it was added via a simmons aftermarket set.

The serial number is: 1922456

Thanks

Dave M. on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:24:30 +0000

Thank you James.

My 21 has 26" barrels and is marked cyl. and mod. The right muzzle measures .729 and the left .715

That makes since with a .729 bore. I don't have the tool any more for measuring the bore dia.

James W on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:28:28 +0000

I believe the standard bore diameter is .729 for the first year of production. But it can vary between .729 and .735 depending on the grade. .731 and .735 is pretty common. Chamber length for the first year was 2 3/4 inches.

Dave M. on Model 21 Bore Dia.?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:17:00 +0000

Can anyone tell me the nominal bore diameter of a 12 gauge model 21?

It's a first year production if that matters. Thanks

James W on 1933 Winchester model 21 12 gauge questions need answers

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:54:51 +0000

Hello, Maybe we can still help you. What did you want to know? How do you know the date of manufacture is 1933 if you don't have paperwork? But ask away and we will see if we can help. Good luck.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:30:11 +0000

MotorCDR said

Am I correct in believing that the 20" bbl was measured from the breech block to muzzle?

Yes. The correct measurement is from the bolt face to the muzzle face. Close the action fully and then insert a rod or dowel down the bore until it bottoms out on the bolt face, mark at the muzzle face and measure.

Bert

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:17:17 +0000

Cool, I figured that it was supposed to have a little room, but wasn't sure.

For being 106 years old, it's in good shape. I'm looking forward to getting out to shoot it, then it will go in my classic 1973 GMC Motorhome as a coach gun.

Am I correct in believing that the 20" bbl was measured from the breech block to muzzle?

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:02:33 +0000

MotorCDR said
S/N 7218xx.

The takedown itself looks normal, it is only the mag tube that may be an issue. Is the back end of the tube itself supposed to be tight against the receiver, or is that small gap normal?

To be more clear, when reassembling, I pushed the mag tube all the way to the bottom, but it would not turn to engage the lugs -- I can feel it hitting the end of the lugs. Pulling the tube out a bit they engage fine, with a final gap (seen through the loading port) of about 1/16" or so.

The serial number indicates that it was a March 1920 production gun.

The magazine tube should not be pushed tightly to the bottom of the receiver frame when rotating it back into its final assembled position.

Bert

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 16:54:24 +0000

S/N 7218xx.

The takedown itself looks normal, it is only the mag tube that may be an issue. Is the back end of the tube itself supposed to be tight against the receiver, or is that small gap normal?

To be more clear, when reassembling, I pushed the mag tube all the way to the bottom, but it would not turn to engage the lugs -- I can feel it hitting the end of the lugs. Pulling the tube out a bit they engage fine, with a final gap (seen through the loading port) of about 1/16" or so.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 31 May 2026 08:16:31 +0000

The serial number will tell me precisely when it was manufactured. The MOD choke suggests that it originally had a 28-inch barrel.

If the Take Down was tight before you disassembled it, but now has a gap, you did something wrong when you reassembled it.

Pictures of the gun and all of the factory markings on the barrel, slide bar, and receiver frame would be beneficial in evaluating the gun.

Bert