Designed by legendary gunsmith John Browning, the Winchester Model 1897 became one of the most widely produced and recognized pump-action shotguns of the 20th century. Over one million units were manufactured between 1897 and 1957. Its reliability and ease of use made it a favorite among both military and civilian users.
The 1897 gained particular fame in World War I and World War II, where it was deployed by U.S. forces in the infamous "trench gun" configuration — shortened barrel, bayonet lug, and slam-fire capability. These features made it devastating in close quarters, especially in trench combat. The German military even protested its use, calling it inhumane.
Outside the battlefield, the Winchester 1897 became associated with the Prohibition-era underworld of the 1920s and ’30s. It was used both by law enforcement in raids and by gangsters themselves, due to its rapid-fire capability and intimidating appearance. In cinema, the 1897 remains a staple of Westerns, war films, and gangster stories — a true cultural icon.
