Model 1897 replaced Model 1893. Similar to Model 1893, the new model had several improvements such as stronger frame, chamber made longer to handle 2.75" shells, frame top was covered to force complete side ejection, stock made longer and with less drop. Available in 12- or 16-gauge, with 12-gauge in solid or take-down styles; 16-gauge in take-down only. Available with barrel lengths of 20", 26", 28", 30" and 32" in practically all choke options from Full to Cylinder. Model 1897 was a great seller for Winchester. During its 60-year production span, 1,025,000 guns were sold.

Model 1897 could be ordered in several different configurations:
1. Standard Gun: 12- or 16-gauge; 30" barrel 12-gauge and 28" barrel 16-gauge; plain walnut modified pistol-grip stock; grooved slide handle; steel buttplate standard.
2. Trap Gun: 12- or 16-gauge; 30" barrel 12-gauge and 28" barrel 16-gauge; fancy walnut stock; oil-finish checkered pistol-/straight-grip stock; checkered slide handle. Marked "TRAP" on bottom of frame.
3. Pigeon Gun: 12- or 16-gauge; 28" barrel on both gauges; straight-/pistol-grip stock; receiver hand-engraved.
4. Tournament Gun: 12-gauge only; 30" barrel; select walnut checkered straight-grip stock; checkered slide handle; top of receiver matted to reduce glare.
5. Brush Gun: 12- or 16-gauge; 26" barrel; cylinder choke has a slightly shorter magazine tube than standard gun; plain walnut modified pistol-grip stock; grooved slide handle.
6. Brush Gun, Take-down: same as above with take-down feature; standard length magazine tube.
7. Riot Gun: 12-gauge; 20" barrel bored to shoot buckshot; plain walnut modified pistol-grip stock; grooved slide handle; solid-frame or take-down.
8. Trench Gun: same as Riot Gun, but fitted with barrel handguard and bayonet. NOTE: Add 100 percent for 16-gauge guns in excellent, very good and good condition.