M97 Trench... Kinda..

Hi folks.. I haven't been here long enough to go over my resume. But, I am an amature military weapon collector. I have several from Garand, to Carbine, to M1911, etc.. I have been looking for an M97 Trench gun. I've had no luck so far, but the search continues. However, in the meantime, I picked up a pretty good deal on a Police issue 1897 Riot gun. I want to add the heat shield/bayonet lug to it, basically converting it to a "faux" M97. It will fill the hole in my collection at least until I find a real USGI one. The cool thing is the Police issue is the same gun, so no modifications will be needed other than the addition of the heat shield. Here is the Riot gun. I love it, but sho would love it more if it had the U.S. arsenal markings.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9d9ca3de-1.jpg

---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------

The only markings showing it's service other than the standard Winchester markings is an "inventory" stamp in the heal. Typical of a service gun. http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...psb65d2ff8.jpg

Welcome to the Forum, Tudrop.

To make a bayonet adaptor fit properly you will have to cut three transverse grooves on the underside of the barrel near the muzzle. That alone will devalue the gun. Also, you have to remove the barrel band and use a different kind of magazine plug that accepts the bayonet adaptor. And remember, the trench guns have swivels while most Military riot guns do not.

IMO, I think you should leave the police riot gun alone. It has its own history and adding a bayonet adaptor/heat shield to it might compromise its value. I would be patient and eventually you will find that trench gun.

Actually, I agree with you. They do make reproduction heat shields that you don't have to cut the grooves, but odds are, I will leave it alone, because I don't want to do anything to the 1897 that can't be undone. It does have it's own duty history which I like too. The search is continuing for the Trench broom though.. ;) Thanks for your input.

Good choice , I'd think.
Chris