There’s a certain feel in the hands when you pick up a firearm built for the hard years—when every tool was expected to last, to protect, and to perform. This Winchester Model 97 carries that same quiet confidence. The steel is honest. The lines are timeless. And its pump action still cycles with the authority that made the 97 a legend across fields, farms, and frontiers.

This example is a 16-gauge, 28″ barreled Model 97, factory-marked FULL, later fitted with a Poly-Choke Deluxe adjustable choke system—a period-correct enhancement chosen by hunters who wanted instant adaptability without swapping barrels. These adjustable systems became icons of mid-century fieldcraft, prized by wingshooters who needed quick changes from Modified to Full to X-Full for varied terrain and changing birds.

The walnut has been well cared for, showing the light wear and natural sheen that comes only from real use—not abuse. From the estate in El Dorado Hills, California, it comes from an owner who believed in keeping his tools in working order. The action is smooth, the metal retains its dignity, and the gun feels every bit like the heirloom it has become.

Whether displayed as a piece of Winchester history or taken back into the field where it belongs, this Model 97 lives in that rare place where craftsmanship meets memory—and where the past still answers when you shoulder it.

Specifications

Brand: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: Model 97 (Model 1897)
Gauge: 16 Gauge
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Choke: Factory FULL + Poly-Choke Deluxe Adjustable System
Action: Pump / Slide Action
Finish: Period-worn bluing, well maintained
Stock: Walnut (well cared for, no significant damage)
Origin: El Dorado Hills, California Estate
Condition: Used, well cared for

model-1897

16 Gauge Shotgun — Winchester Model 97 Pump Action, 16 Gauge (28″ Barrel, Full + Adjustable Choke) — Used, Very Good Condition