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September 5, 2021
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I bought a fairly old (1899) (S/N C 82444) Winchester 1897. It was painfully obvious from the first pic that the previous owner had no clue. That ugly slide handle was screwed on, with non-appropriate screws, and glued to the the slide bar. When I got it off, the screw holes were all fouled up. I got them welded shut, drilled, and re-tapped the holes.
To say it was an education would be an understatement. The new handle is a reproduction, but at least it’s period correct. I’ll keep looking for an original, but I don’t want to have to make a car payment to get it.
The second pic is the new handle installed. I still have to take it for a test drive before I try to antique the finish and locktite the screws.
Corey
Winchester 1892 (1898)
Winchester 1894 (1956)
Winchester 1897 (1909) (1906)
Winchester 1911 (1911)
Winchester Model 12 (1912)
Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen (1959)
Browning Superposed (1962) (1936)
Browning Hi Power (1949 - 1954)
Browning 1910 (1910)
Browning 1922 (Dutch Contract)
November 9, 2008
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Nice job! looks much better
December 25, 2016
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Huge improvement. But not period correct at all. The corncob style is period correct, the longer pump handle came much later to the M12.
I do not know if a corncob style reproduction is available, I am thinking no.
September 5, 2021
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That’s interesting about the handle.
I was not aware that there was a different length for the early 1897s. Can you tell me what I should be looking for to make it at least look period correct?
Corey
Winchester 1892 (1898)
Winchester 1894 (1956)
Winchester 1897 (1909) (1906)
Winchester 1911 (1911)
Winchester Model 12 (1912)
Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen (1959)
Browning Superposed (1962) (1936)
Browning Hi Power (1949 - 1954)
Browning 1910 (1910)
Browning 1922 (Dutch Contract)
April 15, 2005
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Corey Freeman said
That’s interesting about the handle.
I was not aware that there was a different length for the early 1897s. Can you tell me what I should be looking for to make it at least look period correct?
Corey,
There is no length difference in the early Model 1897 slide handle stocks. The first difference is the transition from the 3-screw style (Pre-C and C-series) to the D-series slide handles (with no screws), but the length stated the same. In total, just three variations of slide handle stocks were used for the Model 1897 (97). Refer to my recent article in the Spring 2026 Collector magazine – 2026 Spring (winchestercollector.org)
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 25, 2016
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Was the longer “big” slide handle as pictured on the OP’s gun ever original? I’ve not seen that larger one before on an 1897. My own trap grade model 12 wears a fore end like that. However the M12 field stock was a round corncob style similar to the 1897.
I’ve seen a couple guns like that on GB too. For using the darn thing I like the bigger one more.
I think they also call that a beavertail? Something like that anyway.
April 15, 2005
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Ricklin said
Was the longer “big” slide handle as pictured on the OP’s gun ever original? I’ve not seen that larger one before on an 1897. My own trap grade model 12 wears a fore end like that. However the M12 field stock was a round corncob style similar to the 1897.
I’ve seen a couple guns like that on GB too. For using the darn thing I like the bigger one more.
I think they also call that a beavertail? Something like that anyway.
In answer to your question, No it was not ever a factory option on the Model 1897. Ther “corn cob” style slide handle stock was standard on all Model 1897 variations except the Trap, Tournament, and Pigeon grade guns, and it remained standard until 1946 when it was replaced by the slightly larger grooved “flat bottom” slide handle stock.
The higher grade Trap Gun, Tournament Gun, and Pigeon Gun were made with a smaller non-grooved slide handle.
Black Diamond Trap – s/n 216372 (2-barrel set)
Pigeon Gun s/n 403002
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 25, 2016
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Thanks Bert. Much appreciated. I’m feeling like I just might need to add a 97 to my herd.
April 15, 2005
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Ricklin said
I’m feeling like I just might need to add a 97 to my herd.
Hard to go wrong… I have a pile of them in my collection, mostly early guns with the round knob style pistol grip stocks.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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