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Hello, I cam across a takedown 1897 that is local to me and wondered if this was a period correct stock in 1899. The seller sent two pics and said is has matching serial 891xx. Barrel shows “CYL” and a “12” at the top of the barrel nearest the receiver. The pics they sent show that it has what would be considered an english straight stock. Would this have been a later replacement stock, or was this a special order option at the time?
AH,
The Model 1897 was available with a straight grip stock if so ordered, or you bought a Trap Gun. Nearly all of the higher grade Model 1897s (Trap Guns and Tournament grade) were equipped with a “English” style straight grip. The picture below is a cased matched pair (S/N 288808 & 288809) of Black Diamond Trap Guns engraved by John Ulrich. Somebody had a PILE of $$$$ to blow when they were originally ordered), and again 100-years later when they sold at auction!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert, Although it was a nice condition piece, I didn’t end up buying it. Really didn’t like the “feel” of the straight stock compared to the thicker round knob stocks. Felt like I was holding a twig, and I want to be able to enjoy it.
Bert H. said
The Model 1897 was available with a straight grip stock if so ordered, or you bought a Trap Gun. Nearly all of the higher grade Model 1897s (Trap Guns and Tournament grade) were equipped with a “English” style straight grip.
“English”? Who says? For a fast-handling upland bird gun, that’s what many knowledgeable American shooters have always preferred. Much as I appreciate PGs on rifles, scatterguns are a different animal! Have had a “Black Diamond” ’97, Lefever, Parker, & Browning all so stocked.
clarence said
Bert H. said
The Model 1897 was available with a straight grip stock if so ordered, or you bought a Trap Gun. Nearly all of the higher grade Model 1897s (Trap Guns and Tournament grade) were equipped with a “English” style straight grip.
“English”? Who says? For a fast-handling upland bird gun, that’s what many knowledgeable American shooters have always preferred. Much as I appreciate PGs on rifles, scatterguns are a different animal! Have had a “Black Diamond” ’97, Lefever, Parker, & Browning all so stocked.
Winchester referred to it as an “English” style stock. I don’t just make this stuff up…
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Another point to be made is the size of the person using the gun. I understand that people living at the turn of the 20th century weren’t as big as people today. I am not a ‘big’ man and find the smaller “English” style stocks work well and feel more comfortable for myself. I still use Model 12’s for trap shooting and my favorite is a 1928 vintage “Tournament Trap” with the “English” stock and vent rib. RDB
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
AH,The Model 1897 was available with a straight grip stock if so ordered, or you bought a Trap Gun. Nearly all of the higher grade Model 1897s (Trap Guns and Tournament grade) were equipped with a “English” style straight grip. The picture below is a cased matched pair (S/N 288808 & 288809) of Black Diamond Trap Guns engraved by John Ulrich. Somebody had a PILE of $$$$ to blow when they were originally ordered), and again 100-years later when they sold at auction!
Bert
Well….how do they shoot?
Mike
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