Winchester model 97 commercial riot gun
Hi again, I am getting back with you on that Model 97 riot gun. You were right the barrel is marked 42 under the barrel (serial number was 948,8XX plus an E ... I read Joe Pryor's book on riot and trench shotguns... Placed this gun at 1942 ..I have some questions.. How many commercial 97 riot guns were made during WWII ? I thought that Winchester stopped making 97's for the commercial market occording to that ordnance passed ..in early 1942 ? Could a civilian buy an 97 riot gun (commercial markings) not US markings in 1942 thru his dealer..?? I checked everything out on this gun and it is definitely a 97 honest commercial riot gun..(except for the front sight) No cutdown or stock changed. no rebluing etc. Thanx
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Well, your post begs the question: When the Emergency War Powers Act was placed in motion, did the civilian suppliers start from fresh? Or did they sell existing stocks to the Gov't first? My money is that an EWPA directive would call for a block of, say, 10,000 [of whatever] in the initial run. Only at that time would Winchester (and the others) commence to produce for, and ship to the military.
My guess (rationalization?) is that 1942 is early enough in the war where there were still some civilian models, recently completed, and ready for shipment to distributors. You have one of those. Best, Joe0
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