I Have This Old Gun... Winchester Model 1897 “Trench Gun”

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
trench.jpg

This year marks the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into “The War To End All Wars,” as it was dramatically called. But rather than end wars, it changed them—armored vehicles were employed and aerial warfare literally took battle tactics to new heights. The Great War also transformed one of the most popular shotguns in America from a sporting arm into a formidable force for close-in fighting, specifically in the confines of trench warfare.

An atypical hero emerged, the militarized Winchester Model 97 Riot Gun, a 20"-barrel, 12-ga., cylinder-bore version of John Browning’s Model 1897 exposed-hammer, pump-action shotgun that held five rounds in its under-barrel, tubular magazine.

After America’s declaration of war, the Winchester Riot Gun was pressed into service, but it quickly morphed into the U.S.-issue “Trench Gun, Model of 1917,” sporting sling swivels, a lug attachment for the U.S. M1917 bayonet and a perforated steel heat shield to guard against burned hands during rapid-fire. Lacking a disconnector, the Trench Gun, with its trigger held back, could be slam-fired as fast as the slide could be worked. Nicknamed the “Trench Sweeper,” it became so feared that Germany tried unsuccessfully to get trench shotguns outlawed.


Unlike World War II Trench Guns, World War I versions were solid-frame, had no inspector’s stamp on the stock and most were not military-marked, although some were hand-stamped with a “U.S.” and an ordnance bomb on the upper right hand side of the receiver. Many of those were re-issued for use during World War II.

Many published Model 97 Trench Gun serial number manufacturing dates are incorrect; the guns were issued in three blocks of numbers, of which this gun represents the third and final issuance by the government—E613303 to E697066—according to Field Editor Bruce Canfield’s U.S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War.

The 70-percent-condition Trench Gun shown has an interesting history, as it was issued to a “Dr. Johnson” from Peabody, Kan., who went into the U.S. Army during World War I and served as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps. After the Armistice, Dr. Johnson brought his Model 97 home and, years later, sold it to the son of a man with whom he had served. It was last fired in 1971 on a dove hunt and has been hanging on a wall until acquired from the family by the present owner. Time and the elements have dulled the original bluing, and the stock sports a coat of varnish, but having never been altered, it is easily worth $2,750 to $3,250. Were its finish original, it would be worth quite a bit more.

Gun: Winchester Model 1897 “Trench Gun”
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Serial: E669XXX
Manufactured: 1918
Condition: 70 percent—NRA Good (Modern Gun Standards)
Value: $2,750 to $3,250

Additional Reading:
A Look Back at the Winchester Model 1897

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.