Hey all:

Saw an interesting 97 Winchester today. SN 908200, 28 inch full choke barrel, blued, and marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the left side of the receiver a and on the left side of the barrel, On the top of the barrel was a "P" and a odd ordnance bomb- the flame is much wider than on any of my other Winchesters. the Ordnance bomb over struck the "P", on the base of the pistol grip it appears to be stamped "RRAD" (Red River Army Depot I assume), no stock cartouche was visible.

The stamping looks to be original, but I am hinky about this piece.- It does not follow any of of the Military schemes I am familiar with. Could it be something purchased for the FBI or postal service etc??? (I have a much later 870 marked "US GOVT" that was believed to be sold to he FBI in the 80s.)

Any ideas?

Hank
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