1897 shotgun

New poster here.
Purchased two 1897 shotguns over the past couple of years at local gun shows with the intention of modifying them to shoot at Cowboy Action Matches. Haven't done that yet, but am interested in finding out more about the shorter barrel model that I have. Many hours searching the web has convinced me that there is much information (and much misinformation) out there on these shotguns.

The guy I bought it from said it was a commercial riot gun. Manufacture dates I have found range from late 1916 to early 1918. (Serial number is 649764). Any information from more experienced individuals would be most appreciated. Military trench gun? Commercial trench gun? Commercial riot gun? Total put together humper? There are no military markings. Stock does have the number 442 stamped on it. Will post pictures soon.
Thanks!! Ray

Here are a few pictures.

Is the barrel cylinder bore marked?

It appears that the bayonet adaptor/heat shield have been added. On a WW1 Model 1897 trench gun, the end of the bayonet adaptor should be just about flush with the end of the barrel. It should not extend beyond the barrel. So whoever cut the three grooves on the barrel for the bayonet adaptor cut them in the wrong place. Also, the sight bead has been removed and they just left the hole there.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the info. The barrel is marked CYL. Also found another cut in the barrel, after cleaning out all the grease, just behind the first heat shield cut. This one does not have any threads cut into it??
The Winchester Collector web page shows a 1987 shotgun with the bayonete adaptor forward of the barrel. Was this a feature of the later trench guns?
The Winchester Collector Model 1897 Shotguns

Very possibly a military riot gun. Original trench guns weren't drilled into the barrel for the sight bead. The U.S. markings were not applied until post WWI, and some military trench and riot guns escaped before the markings were applied. Unfortunately, whoever installed the heat shield/bayo lug didn't do you any favors!

Look at the sling swivel inletting on stock!! Does it look factory or not? Thats an easy way to see if it was a original trenchgun or not! pics would help.