Alongside surplus M14 rifles, the Civilian Marksmanship Program says it expects to receive Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns—one of the most iconic and sought-after U.S. military shotguns ever issued.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s announcement that it expects to receive surplus M14 rifles understandably dominated headlines, but another revelation from CMP CEO Gerald O’Keefe may have collectors even more excited.
During recent discussions regarding the upcoming M14 sales program, O’Keefe indicated the CMP also expects to receive an unknown quantity of Winchester Model 1897 Trench Guns. While few details have been released, the mere mention of original military 12-gauge pump-action trench guns immediately sent collectors into a frenzy.
Unlike the M14 program, where quantities are reportedly measured in the tens of thousands, few observers expect large numbers of trench guns to become available. If they do arrive, these shotguns could represent one of the most desirable military surplus offerings the CMP has ever handled.
A True American Military Classic
The Winchester Model 1897 needs little introduction among military firearms enthusiasts. Designed by John Moses Browning and introduced in 1897, the exposed-hammer pump shotgun became one of the most successful repeating shotguns ever produced. More than one million were manufactured between 1897 and 1957, serving hunters, law enforcement officers, and soldiers around the world.
The military “Trench Gun” variant became legendary during World War I. Equipped with a 20-inch barrel, ventilated steel heat shield, bayonet adapter, and sling swivels, it provided American troops with devastating close-range firepower in the trenches of France. The shotgun remained in military service through World War II, Korea, and even Vietnam. Its reputation was built not only on reliability but also on speed.
Because the Model 1897 lacked a trigger disconnector, soldiers could hold the trigger to the rear and fire each time the action closed while pumping the shotgun. This capability, commonly called “slam-firing,” contributed significantly to the shotgun’s fearsome combat reputation.
Now, to be fair the practical usefulness of slam-firing can be debated. However, if we set the hype aside, the Winchester 1897 does have a lot going for it. I have been a “97” fan for many years and own multiple examples.
The things I like about the design are its slim size, due to its compact action. The loading port on the bottom of the receiver is huge, making it easy to stuff shells in. The action is smooth and fast.
Manufacturing quality is very good. The guns handle, shoulder and point well. Are they perfect? No, they are a bit complex and the design dates from the 19th Century. However, they were designed by John Browning and remain hugely popular all these years later.
Why Collectors Are Excited
Original Winchester 1897 Trench Guns have long occupied the upper tier of U.S. military firearms collecting. The problem is authenticity. For decades, collectors have had to navigate a market filled with rebuilt guns, modified riot guns, reproduction heat shields, replacement bayonet adapters, and outright fakes. Finding a documented and original military trench gun can be difficult, and prices have reflected that reality.
That is why CMP involvement is generating so much interest. The organization has built a reputation for selling genuine U.S. military firearms directly from government inventories. If original trench guns enter the CMP pipeline, buyers may have access to documented military examples with a level of provenance rarely available on the commercial market.
The Big Questions Remain
At the moment, there are more questions than answers. The CMP has not announced:
- How many trench guns it expects to receive
- Their condition
- Whether they remain in original military configuration
- Grading standards
- Purchase limits
- Pricing
- A sales timeline
Quantity may ultimately be the most important factor. While approximately 100,000 M14 rifles have been discussed publicly, few collectors believe the number of available Winchester 1897 Trench Guns will be very large. If only a limited quantity arrives, demand could be intense.
What Will They Cost?
Nobody knows! That uncertainty has not stopped speculation. Unlike the M14, where CMP leadership has already indicated a price below $2,000, no pricing guidance has been released regarding trench guns.
Authentic military Winchester 1897 Trench Guns have become increasingly valuable over the past several decades, particularly examples retaining original finish, correct military markings, and original trench gun features. Depending on condition and originality, collector values can reach levels that place them well beyond the reach of casual buyers. Even nicely done reproductions can be quite expensive.
Whether CMP pricing follows current collector-market trends remains to be seen. Much will depend on condition, originality, and the number of shotguns ultimately transferred.
A Development Worth Watching
For now, the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun remains the surprise story hidden behind the larger M14 announcement. The M14 program will undoubtedly attract enormous attention due to the reported quantity of rifles available. The trench guns, however, appeal to a different type of collector—one interested in the iconic firearms carried by American soldiers through some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.
If the CMP does receive a meaningful number of Winchester 1897 Trench Guns, it could create one of the most significant opportunities in recent memory for collectors to acquire an authentic U.S. military combat shotgun.
Until more information is released, enthusiasts will simply have to wait. But if history is any guide, the words “Winchester 1897 Trench Gun” and “CMP” appearing in the same sentence are enough to ensure collectors across the country will be paying very close attention.