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win 1898 shotgun

dwelder
I have a winchester 1898 shotgun. i would like to know what i have if anything. Thanks!
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6 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    You have an extremely rare Winchester... seriously, are you sure that it is not actually a Model 1893 or Model 1897? Winchester never made a Model 1898.

    I will assume that it is a slide-action (pump) with an exposed hammer? If so, the serial number on the bottom forward edge of the receiver frame will tell me when it was made, and most likely which model it is. In order to provide any useful information about it, it would also help to know what its configuration is;

    1. Gauge
    2. Barrel length
    3. Choke marking
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  • jhunter564
    I've got the 1897 Winchester shotgun and was also curious of the value. It is a slide-action pump with the exposed hammer Bert was refering to. I'm looking to replace the stock but am seriously doubting that this will be possible due to the age of the weapon. SN: 723381 (E) above the number. The barrel measured 27" but may have been cut down at some point. I'd like to have it re-blued. What do you think about this?? Should I just leave it alone? This is a gift from my father-in-law to his father and I've been tasked with getting it 're-worked,' cleaned, blued, and refinished.
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  • jhunter564
    Sorry, forgot this: Its a 12 ga with a Modified choke, (MOD) mark
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by jhunter564
    I've got the 1897 Winchester shotgun and was also curious of the value. It is a slide-action pump with the exposed hammer Bert was refering to. I'm looking to replace the stock but am seriously doubting that this will be possible due to the age of the weapon. SN: 723381 (E) above the number. The barrel measured 27" but may have been cut down at some point. I'd like to have it re-blued. What do you think about this?? Should I just leave it alone? This is a gift from my father-in-law to his father and I've been tasked with getting it 're-worked,' cleaned, blued, and refinished.


    Are you sure that the barrel is 27" and not actually 28"? The correct way to measure the length of a shotgun barrel is to close the action on an empty chamber, and then run a rod down the bore until it bottoms out, then mark it at the muzzle, then remove and measure it.

    Most Model 1897s with a MOD choke were made with a 28-inch barrel.

    The serial number tells me that it is an early 1920 production gun.

    As for rebluing it, I do not recommend doing that. That said, and without the benefit of actually seeing the gun, it is difficult to provide the best advice. If you are capable, please post some pictures of it.
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  • jhunter564
    You're right, its a 28". I just ran a quick tape on it and wasn't paying attention to the exact mark.

    Saw that 1923 was the prod. date. I'm going to suggest to my Father in law to leave it the way it is. I'd send a pic or two if I get a chance. Its in decent shape, but no 'show-stopper.' After my post I searched and found all kinds of 1897s valued from 300-600 bucks which means its just some old shotgun, not some rare collector. Thanks for the help.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by jhunter564
    You're right, its a 28". I just ran a quick tape on it and wasn't paying attention to the exact mark.

    Saw that 1923 was the prod. date. I'm going to suggest to my Father in law to leave it the way it is. I'd send a pic or two if I get a chance. Its in decent shape, but no 'show-stopper.' After my post I searched and found all kinds of 1897s valued from 300-600 bucks which means its just some old shotgun, not some rare collector. Thanks for the help.


    It is a 1920 vintage gun verus a 1923 gun. I have a copy of the original Winchester records for the Model 1897(97), and the serial number on your gun dates it to early year 1920.
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