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Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

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MSRP:

$918.00

Used Price:

$918.00

Sale Price:

$1020.00

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Gun Stats

Palmetto State Armory Palmetto State Armory
Old

From $936.00

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The Winchester 1897 Trench gun, also known as the “broomstick” and “war crime stick”, is a variant of John Browning’s second design for a pump-action shotgun. This was designed with a trigger sear that prevented the hammer from dropping until the bolt was fully locked allowing for an incredibly fast fire rate - a feature that American Soldiers and Marines took advantage of in WWI.

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun For Sale

Guns.com

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Guns.com
Guns.com

$882.00

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Sportsman's Warehouse

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Sportsman's Warehouse
Sportsman's Warehouse

$945.00

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Optics Planet

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Optics Planet
Optics Planet

$945.00

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Guns.com

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Guns.com
Guns.com

$882.00

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EuroOptic.com

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

EuroOptic.com
EuroOptic.com

$864.00

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KYGUNCO

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

KYGUNCO
KYGUNCO

$900.00

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Academy Sports + Outdoors

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors

$891.00

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GrabAGun

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

GrabAGun
GrabAGun

$891.00

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Firearms Depot

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun

Firearms Depot
Firearms Depot

$945.00

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Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Specs

1 Brand

Winchester

2 Category

Pump Shotgun

Technical Data

Barrel Length

20"

Length

37.3"

Finish

American Walnut Stock

Capacity

5 + 1

Weight

104 oz

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Features

The Winchester 1897 is the second pump action shotgun designed by the patron saint of shootin’ stuff, John Moses Browning, and was the first mass-produced shotgun to be used in combat.  In the Great War, American troops took advantage of its firepower to clear out enemy trenches with so much efficiency that Germany sued the United States declaring that much power should be a war crime hence it’s modern “war crime stick” moniker. 


Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Capacity

The 1897 Trench Gun is chambered in 12 gauge and feeds from a fixed magazine tube with a 5 round capacity.  The chamber and receiver are both designed and cut to accept 2-¾” inch shells which are loaded directly into the magazine tube through the loading port in the bottom of the receiver.  If you run out of ammo in the trenches, remember it has a bayonet lug.


Measuring 37.3 inches long with a loaded weight of 6.5 pounds, Grunts loved the Trench Gun for more than its ability to deliver devastating firepower.  The simple controls, the light weight and short length made the 1897 one of the most effective weapons for clearing out enemy trenches, hence it’s other nicknames that include “Trench Sweeper” and “Broomstick”.


Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Mobility

Mobility

Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Ergonomics

Ergonomics
The Trench Gun has a traditional feel and control setup with a shorter and narrower pump arm that required a heat guard to be installed so the Yanks storming the Gerry lines wouldn’t burn their hands due to the excessive volumes of freedom sent down the bore.  The trigger was paired with a sear that kept the hammer held back until the bolt was fully in battery allowing its users to sling lead as fast as they could cycle the action, a technique called “slam-firing”.


Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Fit & Finish

John Browning had a simple yet effective philosophy when designing firearms that read, “Make it work, then make it strong so it doesn’t break,” an aspect that is plain to see in the Winchester 1897.  Light, heavy hitting and durable, the Trench Gun is made with hardened steel that is beautifully blued and its stock and pump grip are made of American Walnut sealed with boiled linseed oil.
Fit and Finish

How much is a Winchester 1897 Trench Gun worth?

In 2025 a new or used Winchester 1897 Trench Gun value varies depending on supply and demand. In the last 12 months there is great demand for a Winchester 1897 Trench Gun and most pump shotguns. The Price for a Winchester 1897 Trench Gun has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2025 compared to 2024.

Estimated New and Used Values for a Winchester 1897 Trench Gun Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors.

Condition Trade-In Private Party Dealer
New In box $585.00 $765.00 $900.00
Excellent $540.00 $720.00 $810.00
Very Good $495.00 $720.00 $810.00
Good $450.00 $675.00 $765.00
Fair $315.00 $585.00 $720.00
Poor $225.00 $450.00 N/A

Gun Value Conditions explained:

New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Excellent - 95%+ condition with or without box.

Very Good - 90% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Good - 80-90% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Fair - 30% - 80% condition, parts, and finish may or may not be original. Must function properly and shoot.

Poor - under 30% condition. Firearm has severe wear and tear, does not function, or is damaged.

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