Real of Fake Winchester 97 Trench Gun?|Page 2|Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

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

So what do the collectors feel that this gun is actually worth?

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

Inspector proof stamp.

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