WINCHESTER WWII M97 RIOT GUN

[Madcap]

I'm new to the Forum and have many questions about my WWII M97 Riot Gun. It was purchased back in the late 80's if I recall correctly. It displays the correct "US" and Ordinance stamps in the normal locations but no cartouch on the stock. It displays "42" under the barrel in the proper location however the butt plate is steel not plastic. The finish is parkerized presumably over the original blue and very uneven or blotchy.

I feel confident it's mostly all original but the metal butt plate and lack of stock cartouch is confusing. I'm interested in converting it to a Trench Gun and have an original "W" marked bayonet adapter and mag plug but no usable hand guard.

It would be most appreciated if the more experienced and educated than myself on M97 Riot and Trench Guns would offer comment and possible advise.

(Photos are available but don't see a means here anywhere on my post to download them.)

Thanks for any advise and suggestions.

Madcap[/QUOTE]

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

I would suspect the butt may just be a replacement. I'm not sure it's value will be retained by changing it to a trench but it's yours, so... Pics would help some to identify it's place in collectables. Also we'd love to see it.

[Madcap]

I would suspect the butt may just be a replacement. I'm not sure it's value will be retained by changing it to a trench but it's yours, so... Pics would help some to identify it's place in collectables. Also we'd love to see it.

I have several photos for download to help with the description but can not figure out how to access the "Advanced" option.

I read the butt plate could be an earlier version but that doesn't explain lack of any arsenal rework cartouch. All that being said, including an even, blotchy parked finish has diminished my interest in retaining the original Riot Gun value that much. Also, many Riot Guns were converted by the military to Trench Guns anyway. However, I won't do anything to it yet at all at least until I confirm a bit more possible detail information.

Hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to add some photos. Doug - one of the moderators or whatever has been trying to help me understand but so far I don't get it. I read where there should be an "Advance" option to add images to a post but I do not see it.

Thanks for your interest ~

[oldfoneguy]

If you're using a cell phone look to the lower left between the UP button and the word Copyright. You should see the word light, dark or medium.
Click on that and touch one of the 3 words that doesn't have a blue dot next to it that will put you in desktop mode.
Then at the bottom of the dialog box will be 2 buttons Click go advanced.
Three sections below the dialog box will be manage attachments.
Click that go into your gallery click on then download the pictures you want to use.
It's easier than it sounds and once you get it to work you'll never forget how.

[browningautorifle]

I have several photos for download

See your PMs...

[Madcap]

If you're using a cell phone look to the lower left between the UP button and the word Copyright. You should see the word light, dark or medium.
Click on that and touch one of the 3 words that doesn't have a blue dot next to it that will put you in desktop mode.
Then at the bottom of the dialog box will be 2 buttons Click go advanced.
Three sections below the dialog box will be manage attachments.
Click that go into your gallery click on then download the pictures you want to use.
It's easier than it sounds and once you get it to work you'll never forget how.

Hi, thanks very much. I'm using my laptop (Windows10).

[Madcap]

Ah HA...! Finally broke the code on loading photos....please see the first post and note in the attached photos to what I'm trying to refer to.

[browningautorifle]

Splotchy park like that usually suggests a poor job of stripping blue off before parkerizing. Or the other way also...a good fine bead blast before refinish next time will sort that out. Then a good parkerizing...

[Madcap]

Splotchy park lceke that usually suggests a poor job of stripping blue off before parkerizing. Or the other way also...a good fine bead blast before refinish next time will sort that out. Then a good parkerizing...

I thought about re-parkerizing but the bead blasting would probably would reduce the depth of the proof marks and such more than would be worth it,

[Madcap]

Photos are of the original Winchester "W" adapter that would need need parkerizing to match the weapon. The original magazine plug may not be usable with my magazine tube - not sure. The hand guard that came with the adapter got chopped off for some weird reason but might be used as a possible pattern if needed as a last resort.