Winchester Model 1897

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The Winchester Model 1897 is a pump-action shotgun with an external hammer and tube magazine. It was offered in 12 and 16 gauge, solid frame or takedown. Numerous barrel lengths were offered.

1 Description
2 Military use
3 External link
4 See also

[edit] Description

The Model 1897 was an evolution of the Winchester Model 1893 designed by John Browning. It was the first truly successful pump-action shotgun produced. From 1893 until it was discontinued by Winchester in 1957, over a million of the type were produced in various grades and barrel lengths. 16 gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12 gauge guns were furnished with 30 inch length barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches.

[edit] Military use

A Winchester Model 1897 pump-action trench shotgun and M1917 bayonet

The United States military used a short-barreled version known variously as the "trench" or "riot" shotgun. It was developed into a version issued to US troops during World War I, which was modified by adding an adapter with bayonet lug for affixing a M1917 bayonet. Unlike most modern pump-action shotguns, the Winchester Model 1897 (versions of which were type classified as the Model 97 or M97 for short) fired each time the action closed with the trigger depressed (that is, it lacks a trigger disconnector). That and its 6-shot capacity made it extremely effective for close-combat, such that troops referred to it as a "trench sweeper". It was used in limited numbers during World War II by the United States Army and Marine Corps.