Milsurp Shotgun Information Needed

Drachenblut

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Hello All,

I know this is a milsurp thread but this deals with a milsurp arm.

I am looking for information, about the history and production of the Model 1897 Trench Gun through it's incarnations. Also,I am looking for a current market value of one of these in good working order, looks not so much. A member suggested I look into it and I find no better cadre of experts than here at hand!

Yours,
Drachenblut
 
For genuine milsurp, I would think not a lot under that kind of pricing.

But there IS hope. More recent military shotgun purchases (War Two, Korea, 'Nam and other ugly places) included Winchester Model 12s.... and Mossberg 500s. They even used some Model 12 Trench Guns in the Great War and a lot were used in the Pacific Campaign and even in Europe during the Second War.

Shotguns are, of course, banned in wafare by the Hague Convention of 1899.... but the US never ratified it, so they are okay. REALLY ticks off the guys who ratified the Convention.

I needed a milsurp shotgun for a particular match and didn't have the money, so I got a Musket for $54, brought it home and rejuvenated it somewhat. Works.

If you need one for a particular shoot, Mossberg does make a 500 which is VERY like what the US military uses and they are NOT a lot of money.... and that's brand-new. The 500 Mossberg used to have a problem with the slide-operating collar coming unglued from the actual slide, but they designed a mod for that and the recent ones (last 20 years or so) have been good. For a genuine military one, I would suggest joining the Taliban or something; Uncle Sam doesn't give them away. LOL!

Hope this is a little help, anyway.
 
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smellie,

Unfourtunately, not a big help this time. Unusual for certain! You see, for me it must be blued, have wood and plastic must not exist on the firearm. I despise it beyond understanding. I was considering a self-modified Model 12 Field gun, cut short and with an aftermarket heatshield attached.
 
We were a part of the British Empire; Great Britain signed for us. This is why we put the .303 Marks III, IV and V ammo out of production: Dum-dum bullets were banned by the Convention.
 
Winchester Model 12 shotgun is likely the single most underappreciated shotgun out there. If the gun is original, it is very nearly impossible to wear it out.

A friend and his wife have matched Model 12s. They have put better than half a million rounds through them and the guns are still fine.

Big secret with the Model 12 is the adjustable headspacing collar. You shoot the gun until it gets loose, strip it down, take out the little screw, turn the collar a couple of notches, put the screw back in and shoot another hundred thousand rounds.

They made a million-odd Model 12s and there are still lots out there, and used ones are not all that expensive.

I don't have one simply because I don't trust ANY pump shotgun. After all, I have my 11-bore W&C Scott and Sons if I really NEED a defense shotgun. Now..... where can I find a shell for it? Two would be even better!

Have fun! That's what it's all about!
 
smellie,

Hah. Very cool shotgun. Personally, a nice Win Model 12 would be great, with a made up heatshield, even better... now if I could rig it to take a Pattern 1907 Bayonet, heck, even better!
 
smellie,

Hah. Very cool shotgun. Personally, a nice Win Model 12 would be great, with a made up heatshield, even better... now if I could rig it to take a Pattern 1907 Bayonet, heck, even better!

For a bayonet, you could try one of S&J Hardware Rem 870 bayonet mounts. Might fit the Model 12 the same way it fits the REM's it was made for.

SJBrochure-9.jpg
SJBrochure-4.jpg
 
I own an 1897 Winchester trench gun built in 1916. It is GHD stamped(General Guy H Drewry) heat shield and bayonet lug. From my research it was inspected in 1942 for WW2 servive. When I take it out for play all the kids in the sand box listen :)
 
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Those are for the M9, or M7 bayonets. The one fits around the magazine tube and the other fits around both the mag tube and the barrel for better stability. I'm pretty sure the mag tubes on both the Mod 12 and the REMs are the same diameter. I could check if you want.

Simon is one of our own innovators and supporters here on CGN (badboybeeson) look him up and his products at S&J Hardware. Simon is good people.
 
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