Winchester M97 Trench Shotgun

[DDCOOK]

Thanks to everyone who has looked at and commented on my M97 Trench Shotgun. I aquired this gun at least 15 years ago now when I first started to collect military firearms. I remember looking through SHOTGUN NEWS and seeing an add placed by a "Pat Redmond" (Indiana/Illinois???) looking for anything trench gun/combat shotgun related. I wrote a letter to him inquiring if he had any trench guns to sell. He called me and this is what he had to offer. I never purchased another combat shotgun...just became interested in other things. As I recall, I believe Mr. Redmond told me he was either going to write a book, or was in the process of writing a book, about combat shotguns. I don't know if he ever did?

I have never really researched these guns, but I know these early WWI serial numbered M97 trench shotguns are somewhat rare. I know the WWII serial numbered M97 trench shotguns have the "US" and flaming bomb ordinance stamps on the other side of the receiver. I read once that many of these M97 trench shotguns ended up in England at the start of WWII as a result of the "Lend Lease" Act. I cannot find any British proof marks on my gun. If anybody else knows anything about these M97 Trench Shotguns, or something about the gun I posted, feel free to enlighten us.

Thanks again,

Dan

[FestungSpanien]

That's a beauty, for sure
They also saw action at the Vietnam and Korea war

[EdwardB]

Hi Dan. If you follow this link and then click on the Military Shotgun Forum, the knowledgeable guys there should be able to answer any question about your shotgun you may have. In fact, you can pose your questions to the attention of Bruce Canfield, a gentleman who frequents that site often and has written two good books on U.S. issue military shotguns.

http://www.jouster.com/

[C.O.Sargent]

Great shotun,along with servce in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, they also saw service in a lot of Penal Systems across the country.

[afrikasandman]

I love these shoties! I am looking for a norinco remake of these. They are really good for shooting. The originals are just stunning and I don't think you can beat the tough look, especially with 16 inches of bayonet on the end....
Matt

[Douglas Jr.]

Man, I really enjoy it!
These trench guns really look bad to the bone!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

Douglas