Restored Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun. Visit our gallery for more restored examples of John Moses Browning’s designs.
The Winchester Model 1897: The Shotgun That Tamed the 20th Century
Few firearms have etched themselves into history quite like the Winchester Model 1897. Whether in the hands of a hunter trudging through the autumn woods, a lawman keeping the peace, or a doughboy fighting through the trenches of World War I, this pump-action marvel left its mark. Designed by none other than John Moses Browning, the Model 1897 built upon the legacy of his earlier Winchester Model 1893, refining the pump-action shotgun into something that would stand the test of time.
In This Article:
- Browning’s Blueprint: The Evolution of the Model 1897
- The Chambering Conundrum: What You Need to Know
- A Shotgun for Every Purpose: Model 1897 Variants
- The Standard Field
- The Riot Gun
- The Infamous Trench Gun
- The Pigeon Grade & Tournament Models
- The Model 1897 in Action: From the Wild West to the Silver Screen
- The Legacy of the Model 1897
- Parting Thoughts
- More in this Series
- Share Your Stories
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter
And let’s be honest—few firearms look as downright formidable as a Model 1897 Trench Gun with its heat shield and bayonet lug. But this shotgun was more than just a bruiser. It was a tool of sport, survival, and military might. So, let’s take a journey back and uncover how the Winchester Model 1897 earned its place as one of the most beloved shotguns in American history.
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Image: John Moses Browning.
The 1890s were an exciting time for firearms development. Smokeless powder had changed the game, and gunmakers were scrambling to build arms robust enough to handle the new ammunition. John Moses Browning, always ahead of the curve, had already introduced the Winchester Model 1893, an innovative pump-action shotgun. But the ’93 had one glaring issue—it was designed for black powder loads. With the rise of smokeless powder, Winchester needed a stronger, more refined design.
Browning, never one to sit idle, went back to the drawing board and reworked the action. The result? The Winchester Model 1897, a stronger, more durable shotgun that quickly became the gold standard. Winchester wasted no time rolling it out in both 12-gauge and 16-gauge, offering it in solid-frame and takedown versions to suit every shooter’s needs.
One of the most distinctive features of the Model 1897 was its exposed hammer, a rarity on later pump-action designs. While some might call it old-fashioned, that hammer gave shooters a visual and tactile confirmation of whether the gun was cocked—handy in the field or on the battlefield.
Now, let’s talk chamber lengths, because this is where things get interesting (and where collectors need to pay attention). Early 12-gauge Model 1897s were designed for 2 3/4-inch shells, making them compatible with modern ammunition. However, the 16-gauge takedown version, introduced in 1899, was originally chambered for 2 9/16-inch shells—a fact that has tripped up more than one unsuspecting shooter. It wasn’t until 1927 that Winchester standardized the 16-gauge chamber to 2 3/4-inches.
So, if you happen to come across a 16-gauge Model 1897, do yourself a favor—check that chamber length before loading modern shells. It’s a small but crucial detail that separates a fine collector’s piece from an accidental wall-hanger.
For the everyday hunter or trap shooter, the Standard Field was the go-to. 12- and 16-gauge models with barrel lengths of 28 and 30 inches, catering to everything from bird hunting to long-range shooting. Many of these guns saw decades of hard use, and finding one today in pristine condition is no small feat.
Short, handy, and built for business, the Riot Gun featured a 20-inch barrel and was a favorite among law enforcement, prison guards, and express companies protecting valuable shipments. If you’ve ever seen a classic Western or gangster film, odds are you’ve spotted a Model 1897 Riot Gun in action.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 1897. Explore our gallery to see additional restored service arms examples.
Now, we get to the big leagues—the Trench Gun, perhaps the most famous version of the Model 1897. With a 20-inch barrel, heat shield, and bayonet lug, this shotgun became the stuff of legend in World War I. U.S. soldiers quickly learned that the Trench Gun, loaded with 00 buckshot, could clear an enemy position with brutal efficiency. In fact, it was so effective that Germany lodged an official complaint, claiming its use in warfare was inhumane.
The U.S. military continued issuing the Model 1897 in World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam, where it continued to serve with distinction
The Model 1897’s impact wasn’t limited to the battlefield. It found its way into law enforcement, sport shooting, and even pop culture. It became a favorite in cowboy action shooting, where its exposed hammer and classic pump-action design fit right in with the spirit of the Old West. In Wild Bunch Action Shooting, a variant of cowboy action shooting inspired by the 1969 film The Wild Bunch, the Model 1897 is one of the few pump shotguns allowed.
Hollywood also took a liking to the old Winchester. From John Wayne westerns to modern crime dramas, the Model 1897 has had more than its fair share of screen time. Its distinctive silhouette and iconic *ker-chunk* of the pump-action make it an unforgettable piece of movie magic.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 1897 with takedown frame. Explore our gallery to see additional restored semi-auto and side-by-side examples.
So why does the Winchester Model 1897 still matter today? Part of it is sheer nostalgia—this shotgun represents a bygone era of craftsmanship, when every part was machined with care and firearms were built to last. But beyond that, it’s a testament to John Moses Browning’s genius. The Model 1897 paved the way for modern pump-action shotguns, influencing designs like the Winchester Model 1912, Remington 870, and Mossberg 500.
Today, collectors prize the Model 1897, especially early-production sporting models and military-marked trench guns. Original trench guns, complete with their heat shields and military proofs, command top dollar in the collector’s market. Restorers and preservationists have taken great care to ensure these historic firearms remain in working order, and a well-maintained Model 1897 is still a joy to shoot.
The Winchester Model 1897 is more than just an old shotgun—it’s a piece of American history. From its humble beginnings as a hunting arm to its role in two world wars, the Model 1897 has earned its place among the greats.
So whether you’re lucky enough to own one, thinking about adding one to your collection, or just admiring from afar, take a moment to appreciate what this shotgun represents: a time when craftsmanship and ingenuity came together to create something truly special.
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