20 gauge 1897

[Fred the Russian]

did winchester ever make a pump 1897 in 20 gauge.or is the only cowboy shotgun a double barrel in 20 gauge.

[Red Cent]

The 1897 came in 12 and 16. No 20.

[John Smith]

Someone made one, Dusty Chambers had it, I've personally held and shot it.

[Red Cent]

Actually, there were rumors a number of years back that someone had a 'smith fabricate a 20 gauge 97.

[Oregon Bill]

Dunno why a feller would want one in 20 when the 97 is out there in 16 gauge, "the queen of the uplands."



(P.S. My takedown 97 16 was built in 1909.)

[Red Cent]

Part of the rumor was that the shooter could grab six shells at a time. Really.

[Pettifogger]

Yes it is true there were a few custom 20 gauge models made.  The idea being you could grab more shells with one swipe of your hand.  They are illegal for SASS shoots.

[John Smith]

Why are they illegal?

[Pettifogger]

Why?  Cause the rules say so, that's why.    

[John Smith]

Why?  Cause the rules say so, that's why.    

Where in the "rules" does it say it's illegal?

[tyrel cody]

Page 10 of the shooters handbook:

SHOTGUN GAUGES
• Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 20 gauge and no larger the 10 gauge.
• Slide action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 16 gauge and no larger than 12 gauge.
• Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action centerfire shotguns in .410 are allowed within the Buckaroo Category only.

[John Smith]

Page 10 of the shooters handbook:

SHOTGUN GAUGES
• Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 20 gauge and no larger the 10 gauge.
• Slide action shotguns must be centerfire of at least 16 gauge and no larger than 12 gauge.
• Side-by-side, single shot, and lever action centerfire shotguns in .410 are allowed within the Buckaroo Category only.

And the previous paragraph says:

Any side-by-side or single shot shotgun typical of the period from approximately 1860 until 1899 with or without external hammers, having single or double triggers is allowed. Automatic ejectors are allowed on single shot break action, lever, and pump action shotguns ONLY. Side- by-side shotguns may not use automatic ejectors. Lever action, tubular feed, exposed hammer shotguns of the period are allowed, whether original or replicas. The only slide action shotgun allowed is the Model 1897 Winchester shotgun, whether original or replica. Certain shooting categories require a specific type of shotgun and ammunition to be used. Military configurations are not allowed (i.e., trench guns). Please see the shooting categories for further information.

So it appears the "97", "original or replica" is approved,

[tyrel cody]

The model 1897 is approved as a slide action shotgun indeed, but not in 20 gauge.