Something different - Winchester 97 with Vent Rib

[Cold Spring]

Thanks all. Just some additional info; I believe this M97 was restocked by Simmons when it added the Vent Rib. Otherwise with a factory stock the drop at heel would be way more than the 2-5/8" it does measure. Also the action works just as slick as my Model 12's I use for Sporting. Apparently Simmons did some polishing and other work inside when it jeweled the bolt etc.

[Drew Hause]

1902 DAH depended on LOP



The 97 Trap had a DAH of 2 1/8"; 1903



The 97 Tournament 1 13/16"; 1909

[Researcher]

The Winchester catalogs showed pretty straight dimensions. From 1933 --

Model 97 1933 catalog, drop at heel highlighted.jpg

From the big 1955 catalog --

Model 97 big 1955 catalogue, drop at heel highlighted.jpg

I would have expected a very late gun to have the flat-bottom semi-beavertail slide handle. The one I briefly owned did.

986692 05a.jpg

[Mike of the Mountain]

What is the difference between a Trap model and a Pigeon model? The only thing I can see in the ads is barrel length.

[Drew Hause]

About $50, which was a lot of money back then

[Mike of the Mountain]

Thanks Drew. Barrel length was really the only I saw and you confirmed that.

[Bill Murphy]

The Pigeon Gun was fully engraved by George ? Ulrich and 28" barrel as standard. Of course, for that money, you could probably have any barrel length. Oddly, every Pigeon Gun I have ever seen has the 28" barrel.