Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Chuck on Shotgun cartridge belt

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:56:51 +0000

Winchester made a hand full of belt buckles. I am not sure if they all were marked? They did make a dog head that is not exactly the same as this one, but is similar.

20191110_141041.jpg (3264×1836)

Henry Mero on Shotgun cartridge belt

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:41:47 +0000

I haven't seen thatbelt, but if it was a Winchester it should be stamped accordingly.

cj57 on Shotgun cartridge belt

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:31:35 +0000

Has anyone seen this belt before, it has dog head buckle with brass clips that hold 12ga shells. Not sure if the dog head is associated with Remington or Winchester?

EWMN on Model 1897 takedown question

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:55:02 +0000

Mr. Bert H.. I read your article on the 1897 last night. If only I seen it a week ago, I would have known it was safe too fire a non matching shotgun. I really enjoyed the part about training for arieal warfare with the model 1897 in ww 1. I was aware that model 1910s were used in planes early on by the allies. Probably mostly shooting down surveillance balloons. I just thought by 1918 all arieal warfare was fought with mounted machine guns timed too fire through the propellers. I believe the Germans were first to figure it out. That being said, i could see a 12 ga. In a two seater with the passenger covering their 6 with a 1897. Or as usual, im missing something. Thank you for your time and effort on a great read on the history of the Winchester model 1897.

EWMN on Model 1897 takedown question

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:00:11 +0000

spare receiver, some parts not all parts are for a 97. I just need a barrel assembly that has a good fit. It would be awesome to have a working tribute, clone, replica or whatever you want to call it ww 1 era trench gun.

EWMN on Model 1897 takedown question

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 04:34:19 +0000

⁰7th

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:21:56 +0000

EWMN said
Thank you sir for verifying it is safe too shoot a mismatched 1897 takedown if everything locks up correctly. I have worked the action and dry fired and all seemed fine. When i get a chance I'll try to cycle some shells through it and see how that goes.I tried to post a picture of my complete non matching 1897 but for some reason it is saying there's a (http error. upload URL might be wrong or doesn't exist.) I'll try again later. Thanks again for taking the time to pass your knowledge along.

Verify that your pictures are .jpg files, not .heic files.

EWMN on Model 1897 takedown question

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:38:10 +0000

Thank you sir for verifying it is safe too shoot a mismatched 1897 takedown if everything locks up correctly. I have worked the action and dry fired and all seemed fine. When i get a chance I'll try to cycle some shells through it and see how that goes.I tried to post a picture of my complete non matching 1897 but for some reason it is saying there's a (http error. upload URL might be wrong or doesn't exist.) I'll try again later. Thanks again for taking the time to pass your knowledge along.

MotorCDR on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:06:33 +0000

Bert H. said
There are many hundreds of Model 1897 shotguns out there with mismatched barrel assemblies.

The nice thing about a shotgun is that the close tolerances are in the assemblies -- pretty much ANY working action and any working barrel/pump of the proper model and gauge work together just fine. This was one of John Browning's major goals in designing things, and modern production machine tools and techniques made it possible.

Bert H. on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:45:13 +0000

EWMN said
Is it possible and safe it fire a non matching take down 97. The one i have together seems to function good, I have not tried to cycle shells through it.

Just as long as the barrel assembly fits up tight to the receiver frame, Yes it is safe to shoot it. There are many hundreds of Model 1897 shotguns out there with mismatched barrel assemblies.

Bert

EWMN on Model 1897 takedown question

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:50:30 +0000

This is very interesting. I am also going too put together a trench gun. I have a non matching take down frankin gun. Before you laugh at my 97 consider this, it was free. Receiver dates around 1906. Barreled half is definitely later by 10 plus years ? I'll have to check the numbers for sure. I could just cut it. Or I also have anther complete receiver around 1907-1910. I'll have to check date. Stock, 2 pump stocks, extra bolt, 3 or 4 hammers and maybe a slide rail. It might be fun to try and complete it as a trench gun. Is it possible and safe it fire a non matching take down 97. The one i have together seems to function good, I have not tried to cycle shells through it.

Bert H. on Model 1912 12 GA Barrel configuration

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:58:37 +0000

Yes, a 32-inch barrel was normal option for the Model 1912 12-Ga guns. Standard was 30-inch, with both 28 and 32 inch barrels as optional lengths. The Solid Rib was a special order (added cost) feature.

The primary factor in the value is not the "age', but instead is the graded condition and the specific configuration. The recoil pad is an aftermarket alteration, and it negatively affects the collector value of the gun.

Bert

PurdueBill on Model 1912 12 GA Barrel configuration

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:44:27 +0000

Recently inherited a Model 1912 12 GA manufactured in 1915. Barrel length appears to be 32" with solid matted rib on top of receiver. The choke is Full and the chamber appears to be 2 3/4". Is that barrel length normal for a gun manufactured in 1915? I am totally new with the model 1912 and would appreciate any clarification. Does the age of the gun have any bearing on value? I would guess the condition is average with normal wear from carrying around trigger and receiver area. Has an aftermarket buttplate marked as "White Line Deluxe". Any help would be appreciated.

evanderbeck62@gmail.com on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:11:01 +0000

Thanks I have only seen a couple like it in books I bought it as i like engraved styled guns any idea what its worth thanks

Scott Wagner on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:52:24 +0000

I believe the gun to be engraved, embellished by Phil Klundt. The proper term is " ACID RELIEF ETCHED ENGRAVING." The method uses acid to eat away the steel ( THE RELIEF ) and leave remaining the higher original steel untouched ( THE ENGRAVING, or scene ). The acid removed area is now lower than the untouched higher steel scene. It has a rough texture similar to punch dots engraving and in my opinion is an attractive background or component of the entire "Steel Canvas" used by the artist. There are a handful of similar style guns seen over the years. Sources being published books on Winchester firearms, auction recall history, gunshows, and my fortunate private observations. I own a unique pattern early Model 1912 Phil Klundt 12 gauge. Apparently Winchester refused the Phil Klundt style for mass production. However I do believe Winchester would accompany a customer request or try something new. I call these "ONE OFF FACTORY ORIGINAL GUNS." Key words..... FACTORY ORIGINAL. The order placed, idea created, and manufacturing process completed all overseen by Winchester. In addition to the early teens Phil Klundt 12 gauge I own, I have a 1940 Factory Original PIGEON GRADE GOLD INLAID ENGRAVED George Ulrich Engraved VENTILATED RIB - TWENTY GAUGE - and a 1962 Factory Original 3 - pin vent rib PIGEON GRADE GOLD INLAID ENGRAVED GAUGE 12 gauge by Kurt Jaeger. I will tell the non Winchester employee Kurt Jaeger FACTORY ORIGINAL engraved gun & factual documented story another day. I am a FACTORY ORIGINAL PURIST as to my gun collection. With an open mind to debate and discuss the fascinating and intriguing "One Off" Winchesters that we all enjoy! P.S. 2 clues about the 1940 Ventilated Rib 20 gauge..... it's 12 years too early for production run small gauge Ventilated Ribs & it's the most beautiful GOLD INLAID unique pattern I've seen!