Winchester Model 1897 Takedown Shotgun, 16 Gauge, 1902, Mirror-Bore Barrel

Winchester Pump-Action Shotgun – Model 1897 Takedown

Manufacture: 1902 – Gauge: 16 – Mirror-finish barrel, original bluing

An early-production (1902) Winchester Model 1897 Takedown in excellent original condition, retaining a significant amount of its original bluing and featuring a remarkable 28-inch "Full Choke" barrel with a pristine, mirror-like bore. A highly sought-after, authentic American collector's piece.

History

Designed by John Moses Browning for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Winchester Model 1897 was the pump-action shotgun that firmly established this repeating mechanism in the United States. Introduced in 1897, it succeeded the Model 1893, featuring a reinforced action specifically designed for smokeless powder cartridges. Thanks to its ruggedness, five-shot capacity, and rapid operation, it achieved immense success among hunters, law enforcement agencies, and the US military. Its famous "Slam Fire" capability—allowing the user to fire by holding down the trigger while cycling the pump—remains a key part of its reputation today. The "Takedown" version, which can be quickly disassembled into two parts without tools, is one of the configurations most prized by collectors for its practicality and historical significance.

Our Model

This 16-gauge Winchester Model 1897 Takedown is in excellent original condition. The metal parts retain a significant portion of their original bluing, offering a particularly attractive, uniform patina. The Winchester markings are entirely correct for the model, deeply struck, and fully legible. Serial number 182XXX confirms it is a desirable early production model from 1902. The barrel markings indicating the 16-gauge caliber and "Full Choke" are perfectly preserved. The original wood displays a beautiful, uniform tone with a natural patina—free of repairs or damage—and remains perfectly fitted to the receiver. The Pachmayr recoil pad, installed some time ago, is in excellent condition.

Mechanically, the shotgun functions excellently. The "slam-fire" capability is fully operational. Its 28-inch, 16-gauge Full Choke barrel features a pristine, mirror-like bore.

This early-production Winchester Model 1897 Takedown is a remarkable American collectible, combining a sought-after configuration, a superb mirror-finish bore, and a beautiful original appearance.

The firearm is sold with a classification certificate designating it as a Category D historical weapon, issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.