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Real of Fake Winchester 97 Trench Gun?
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April 22, 2024 - 8:04 pm
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Many collectors believe the metal butt plates were used on these guns between WWI and WWII, perhaps even during WWII.  They usually show up on the WWI 1897 trench guns.  If San Antonio Arsenal reworked the gun and/or replaced the butt plate, it is likely that was done prior to the end of WWII because San Antonio Arsenal was declared surplus in 1947 and closed in 1949.

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April 22, 2024 - 10:52 pm
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Tom D said
Many collectors believe the metal butt plates were used on these guns between WWI and WWII, perhaps even during WWII.  They usually show up on the WWI 1897 trench guns.  If San Antonio Arsenal reworked the gun and/or replaced the butt plate, it is likely that was done prior to the end of WWII because San Antonio Arsenal was declared surplus in 1947 and closed in 1949.

  

I once owned a beautiful US marked M1897 Trenchgun. It too had that butt pate. It also had a circle P on the pistol grip. No other mods. or markings. Wish I would have kept it. Now belongs to a Lawyer friend in California. Tom D, did you ever see my display of US shotguns in the Great Western or Reno shows? Big Larry

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April 23, 2024 - 4:59 pm
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Larry, I did see your military shotguns several times at the Great Western Show.  It was an excellent display.

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April 24, 2024 - 2:00 pm
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So what do the collectors feel that this gun is actually worth?

If you can’t convince them, confuse them

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April 24, 2024 - 6:53 pm
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Tom D said
Larry, I did see your military shotguns several times at the Great Western Show.  It was an excellent display.

  

Thanks Tom. I really missed that show after the Board of Supervisors shut it down. Merchants of death they called it. Big Larry

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April 24, 2024 - 7:03 pm
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Tedk said
So what do the collectors feel that this gun is actually worth?

  

Sorry Ted. I have been out of collecting martial arms for several years now and cannot make an assessment of this shotgun. All I can tell you is it would find no place in my collection at any price. I know these guns are very hard to find, especially in unaltered condition, but I think, with a little perseverance, you could do better.  They are getting very expensive. I just saw a M520-30 Trenchgun with an asking price of $10,000. No takers. Buy the very best you can afford.   Big Larry

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December 8, 2024 - 12:18 am
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Big Larry said

Tom D said

Many collectors believe the metal butt plates were used on these guns between WWI and WWII, perhaps even during WWII.  They usually show up on the WWI 1897 trench guns.  If San Antonio Arsenal reworked the gun and/or replaced the butt plate, it is likely that was done prior to the end of WWII because San Antonio Arsenal was declared surplus in 1947 and closed in 1949.

  

I once owned a beautiful US marked M1897 Trenchgun. It too had that butt pate. It also had a circle P on the pistol grip. No other mods. or markings. Wish I would have kept it. Now belongs to a Lawyer friend in California. Tom D, did you ever see my display of US shotguns in the Great Western or Reno shows? Big Larry

  

What does the Circle P on the pistol grip indicate?

If you can’t convince them, confuse them

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December 8, 2024 - 4:58 pm
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Inspector proof stamp.

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December 8, 2024 - 7:09 pm
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Tedk said
 

What does the Circle P on the pistol grip indicate?

  

The “P” on the pistol grip indicates the rifle was test fired by the military.  Depending upon the arsenal, it is either in a circle, a box or just a plain “P” and is always on the pistol grip.

While there are certainly other military inspector markings, the “P” on the pistol grip has always been used by the military to indicate proof firing.

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December 9, 2024 - 1:32 pm
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Chuck said
Inspector proof stamp.

  

JWA said

Tedk said

 

What does the Circle P on the pistol grip indicate?

  

The “P” on the pistol grip indicates the rifle was test fired by the military.  Depending upon the arsenal, it is either in a circle, a box or just a plain “P” and is always on the pistol grip.

While there are certainly other military inspector markings, the “P” on the pistol grip has always been used by the military to indicate proof firing.

Best Regards,

  

Appreciated, Thank You

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