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June 7, 2018
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Hi guys. I got this early riot gun. It appears to have been made in 1899 and came from the San Bernardino County sheriff. Everything seems OK except it has no place on the left side for the ejector spring. But it will eject.
There is a ‘nub’ inside the receiver where the ejector spring normally comes through. My question is did Winchester make some of these early guns without the left side ejector? Hope an expert will chime in. I’ve seen dozens of 97’s but this is a first and only. I’m attaching some pictures.
April 15, 2005
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Hello Jim,
On the early production Model 1897s, the ejector spring was mounted to the inside of the receiver wall (as it is on your gun). At approximately S/N 84000, the ejector spring was moved to the outside wall of the receiver. The “nub” you see is the bitter end of the screw that retains the internally mounted ejector spring.
Now for the bad news… as S/N 47231 was originally manufactured and shipped, it was a standard Field grade gun with a 30-inch barrel. Either the San Bernadino PD had it cut down to Riot length after purchasing it, or the gun is a fake.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 7, 2018
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Thanks Bert. No way to know which it is. We measured the barrel and it’s 19″. The marking appear period, but I think you are right. The barrel was cut down. Thanks. I knew someone would know.
April 15, 2005
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Jim Rogers said
Thanks Bert. No way to know which it is. We measured the barrel and it’s 19″. The marking appear period, but I think you are right. The barrel was cut down. Thanks. I knew someone would know.
The factory Riot Gun barrel length was 20-inches, and the front bead sight was located precisely .5″ from the muzzle face.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 7, 2018
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I didn’t know about the bead location, but my barrel length comment I should have added that I knew riot guns came with a 20″ barrel. That was the meaning of my earlier post. Thanks again.
November 1, 2013
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Jim, is that a crack in the left side of the rcvr just below the hammer spur?
June 7, 2018
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clarence said
Jim, is that a crack in the left side of the rcvr just below the hammer spur?
It is.
November 19, 2006
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Jim Rogers said
clarence said
Jim, is that a crack in the left side of the rcvr just below the hammer spur?
It is.
Ouch 
November 1, 2013
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Jim Rogers said
clarence said
Jim, is that a crack in the left side of the rcvr just below the hammer spur?
It is.
One of our members had a ’97 blow up in his face. Maybe he’ll relate the story.
November 7, 2015
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clarence said
Jim Rogers said
clarence said
Jim, is that a crack in the left side of the rcvr just below the hammer spur?
It is.
One of our members had a ’97 blow up in his face. Maybe he’ll relate the story.
Appears to be consistent with my firing out of battery experience.
Mike
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