WINCHESTER 97 RIOT 12 GAUGE

the Winchester Model 1897 was a design improvement of the earlier Browning designed Model 1893, which was made for lower pressure black powder shells. The model 1897 or “97” was one of the most prolific shotguns, with over a million produced by 1957. Aside from their use by hunters and target shooters, the 97 was also used widely by police and military, this example was a service shotgun for the Illinois state police. While Winchester did offer a “riot” grade for the model 97, it was not uncommon for police forces to alter commercial guns for more expedient procurement, this example is one of such guns, as it has a 21″ barrel instead of the factory offered 20″ barrels. Overall condition is excellent, although it cannot be confirmed if the firearm has been refinished or not, as it appears very clean for its age, but if it had been re finished it was done to match the factory finish without damaging the original roll marks.