Rifleman Q&A: Model 1897 Frame Types

by
posted on September 5, 2023
** 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. **
Model 1897 Frame Types

Q. I have just started collecting U.S. military shotguns and am getting some conflicting information regarding Winchester Model 97 trench guns. Some sources state the guns were of the solid-frame configuration, and others say they were the takedown type. Which is correct?


A. The answer depends on the vintage of the gun. The Model 1897 trench guns manufactured during World War I were of the solid-frame variety (above), while the World War II-production guns were of the takedown configuration (above).

As a word of advice, before spending thousands of dollars on a purportedly genuine U.S. military trench gun, it would be wise to acquire some reliable reference sources. The Internet is filled with a lot of information—some accurate and some wildly inaccurate.

—Bruce N. Canfield, Field Editor

Latest

NRA Logo On Blue
NRA Logo On Blue

2026 NRA Board Election Results

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 elections for the NRA Board of Directors.

A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed.

The "Dreaded Dry-Fire" Training Talk

Talk to the best shooters in the world, and you will hear the same story: the majority of their skill development did not happen on the range with ammunition. It happened with dry-fire practice.

U.S. Army Testing Improved Gun Barrel Material

In a joint collaboration with Geissele Automatics and Carpenter Technologies, the U.S. Army indicated that it's currently developing a new kind of steel for gun barrels that promises greater longevity and performance.

Rifleman Review: KelTec PR57

KelTec is known for its out-of-the-box designs, so when it came to designing a dedicated personal-protection firearm, the PR57, the company took a different approach than nearly every other firearm maker out there.

VOID Suppressors: Canik Joins the Silence Movement

Canik is largely known for its handguns, but with its new VOID line, the company recently joined the movement of manufacturers producing their own suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.