Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun manufactured in 1943.

[drm2m]

I saw this gun two years ago and tried to buy it.
The seller was not ready....last week I got a call from him...he was now ready.
The deal is done and I have the gun.

You never know when things will happen…..I was not expecting this!



These guns don't come around very often where I live…..so I jumped on it.

I thought that I would share these photos with they that might be interested.

David

[scosgt]

I think the buttplate has been replaced, and if you are very careful you can fit it to look way closer. Otherwise, a very nice looking gun.

[drm2m]

scosgt,

Do you think this butt plate has been replaced?

Bruce Canfield doesn't.

David

[scosgt]

I can't see the logo so I don't know if it is a Winchester plate of the proper vintage, but from the side it looks quite properly fitted. So the answer is, it looks right in the supplied photo, but not enough info is provided to say for sure.
The other one clearly overhangs the top too much. Winchester buttplates were hand fitted before the stock was finished, and originals should fit perfectly. But they were commonly broken in the military service when soldiers tried to do "manual of arms" with them. You really can't slam a rubber/plastic butt plate on the cement floor.

[drm2m]

scosgt.

Black Winchester marked butt plate on this 43 dated Model 97 Trench Gun. Sn. 995352E

David

I sent photos to Bruce Canfield before I bought this gun.
Based on his comments.....I bought it.

[scosgt]

This one is proper but not original. Needs fitting.

[drm2m]

A comment from Bruce Canfield regarding the butt plate.
He has a number of my photos that I sent him regarding this M97.
(I bought an early M1A1 carbine some years ago based on his comments following his review of my photos.)

"It is of the correct pattern. If it fits well and shows no sign of sanding or removing plastic from the edges, it is probably original".

What a helpful guy he is.

David

[scosgt]

But it does not fit well!

[drm2m]

scosgt,

I would really like to know what a good fitting butt plate looks like.

David

[scosgt]

In your post dated 12-23-2011 12:26 AM The picture you show appears to show the buttplate overhanging the top and bottom of the stock.