Winchester Model 97 "Riot Gun" (M12 Trench Broom)

Model: Winchester Model 1897/ Model 97 Riot Gun/ "Trench Broom"

Weight: 8 lbs. (3.6kg.)

Length: 39.25 in. (1,000mm)

Barrel Length: 20 in. (510mm)

Caliber: 2 3/4 in. shell (70mm), .729 cal (18mm) slugs 2 3/4 in.

Action: Pump

Magazine: 5 +1 round tubular Magazine

Effective Range: 22 yards (20 meters)

The Awe Inspiring Winchester Model 97. Few Shotguns have as good of a reputation as this long gun, and for Good Reasons. Based on the Winchester Model 1893 designed by John Moses Browning (The Man who is practically responsible for 90% of the crap we shoot today) This was the First Pump action Shotgun to Shoot Smokeless (Modern) Powder. Later Adopted in 1916 by the U.S. This Shotgun was a notable player in WWI; It was considered such an effective weapon for trench warfare that the Imperial Germans actually tried to have it banned from use. (citing the Hauge convention) This shotgun served Faithfully in the U.S. Military in every Major Armed Conflict up until Desert Storm (1991) almost 100 years after if was first produced.

Features that made this weapon formidable in the shotgun arena include:

-Slam Fire Capability (trigger disconnect):
A skilled shot gunner could jump into a trench and empty all 6 12 ga. rounds in a matter of seconds.

-Solid  Frame:
The Military "Trench Broom" lacked a take down barrel therefore there are less things to take apart

-Insanely Reliable:
even when packed with dust and debris this shotgun will still cycle (author experience)

-Rounds can be extracted from magazine without cycling the action

Cons of system:

-pump requires the operator to push forearm toward muzzle before pump can be cycled

-only one extractor arm

-only cycles 2 3/4 in shells

what makes this shotgun near and dear to me is that the first shotgun I started out shooting was a 1923 Riot Version that was passed down from my great grandfather. because of this I am rather spoiled when it comes to shotguns as I see in many instances a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 as a downgrade.

Granted this shotgun does transfer much more recoil to the shooter than either the Mossberg or the Remington. So what makes this shotgun worthwhile to own? assuming you can even find one that is in shooting condition it is a great piece of American history. Nearly comparable to the 1911, given the fact that it was a Browning design, and that it had such a long service life. It is one of the few slam fire models that even exist anymore (due to safety regs).  These shotguns are a Joy to shoot and in my opinion set the Gold standard for a stock riot shotgun.

A Norinco Remake can be found on the Secondary Market, but are being increasingly hard to find in gunstores. Simply If you can find one GET IT, You will have a hard time finding a more fun 12 ga. to shoot.

As far as handling goes this Pump Gun performs just as well as any other 18 in shotgun. with some practice the manipulation of the forearm become almost second nature. What I would love to see is dual ejectors like the Mossberg 500/590, an 8 round magazine, and possibly a fluorescent sight.

This is just a brief overview of the Model 97, If you have pictures, comments, or videos of your own Model 97 send them to apachesurvival@gmail.com