These models were a open hammer, pump operated shotgun.
the forearm was made with circular grooves around it.
One nickname for this gun was the "cornshucker"
The model 1893 was the predecessor to the 1897, with about 33,000 being made. It originally used 2 1/2" ammo. It can be readily identified by a "thumb cut" on the top LH side of the receiver, somewhat like the model 98 Mauser rifles.
A & B Series:
In June 1897, the model 1897 was born & the following
changes were made to the 1893. Then
the gun was called the Model 1897, with the serial numbers of the guns
continuing from the 1893.
Apparently the series A & B relate to the 1893. Not sure if all "B" guns
had rounded end magazine plugs.
(1) New
firing pin lock put in breech block.
(2) Screw put in receiver to hold
magazine from turning.
(3) Release pin and plunger (for
action slide lock)
(4) Top of cartridge ejecting
opening in frame made straight.
(5) Spring placed on inside of
action handle encircling magazine.
(6) Collar put inside of magazine
to keep spring and follower from coming out.
(7) Top of breech block made
straight.
(8) Receiver holding bolt made
shorter.
(9) Buttstock made longer, drop
changed, and outside shape changed slightly.
(10)Friction spring put in under cartridge guide.
C
Series:
In February 1898, after about 47,000 shotguns had been made, more changes were made in the Model 1897. After that date the gun was marked with the letter "C" over the serial number.
(1) A small
wire was put into the receiver and connected to the action slide lock release
pin, to hold it from coming
out when the gun was taken
apart.
(2) Receiver made 1 1/2 (one and
one half) hundredths ??? thicker on each side. This
was thought best on account of the increased cuts on the inside.
(3) Action slide lock spring was
changed.
(4) The first Model 1897's had no
ejector spring. (The ejector was a little block pinned to the LH receiver wall.)
This spring is a small thin
"L" shaped spring with a screw hole that is attached from the outside LH side of
the
receiver immediately in front
of the "ejector".
D Series:
The end of the magazine plug was flat on "D" guns.
E Series:
In April 1898, after about 50,000 shotguns had been made
(Model 1893 & 1897) some more changes were made, and the model 1897 detachable
barrel and magazine put on the market.
These were known as the "E" series guns.
"E" guns had slightly deeper 5/16 wide grooves on the
receiver ring.
Prior to "E" guns, cartridge stops were fastened with screws through the receiver sides and shells were difficult to release from the magazine. For unloading, most shooters worked them through the action. On E models, the cartridge stops fastened through the bottom of the action and providing buttons which could be pushed to retract the cartridge stops.
These are not all the changes. Madis stated that 37
major and 52 minor changes were made in the first 12 years of production of the
Model 1897.
Other items that may be of some interest:
1. Standard shotgun stock was 13 3/4 inches.
2. Frame altered on 1897 to use 2 3/4" ammo.
3. Brush gun was made available November 1897 to 1931. It had shorter stock with
more drop and 26 inch barrel.
4. Standard gun was made with rolled steel barrels, full choke standard.
Cylinder or modified choke on special order.
5. Standard barrel length 30 or 32 inch. 30 inch shipped if not specified.
6. Trap Gun 12 and 16 gauge (1897 to 1931). The gun had 30 inch rolled steel
barrel, select fancy walnut handmade
stock. Straight checked grip with oil
finish and black diamonds in the grip, and checked rubber butt plate.
It was first listed at $47.
7. Trap Gun was engraved on the breech block and could be had with matted
barrel.
8. Within certain limits, purchasers could specify stock dimensions.
9. Solid frame and takedown trap guns were made. After 1926 Trap Gun was
not always engraved on the breech
block.
10. Receivers on Trap, Tournament, Pigeon, Standard Trap, and Special Trap guns
had matted groove.