I picked up an 1897 a while back. It is a great shooter,
if you remember to keep your thumb out of the way of the bolt!!!
Will the serial number is only 4 digits! It was in the 5000 run!
But before the serial number there are 2 (capital) LL!
Call Winchester, their historian, did not know what the 2 LL meant!
So does anyone know?
Also on the receiver. Above the serial number. There is a (C)!
Could of course be a worn out (O)!
So any 1897 Historian out there?

Thanks for any help!!!

PITA45

Winchester stopped making the C model in June 1904 they went to the D model which eliminated the 3 screw forend. It was prone to breakage.

Are the L's number ones ? That would put it in the
Proper serial number range

[1893 where made with no letter and A and B to signify changes. 1897 where made with no letter and C D and E

This 1897 is a three screw! Yes the forearm did brake!
Had to get an after market one!
The serial number is clear on both the receiver and the barrel assembly!
So it is a 5000 serial number. None of the numbers have worn off!
As for the LL. At first thought they might be Roman numbers II!
But had others look at it. They all said the same thing, they are LL.
If Winchester would list ALL the serial numbers! Instead of 00000 to 111111
was made in this year! It sure would clear things up!
I may contact one of the gun magazine! See what I can fine out!

Thanks for the info! Anyone else with info it will be appreciated!


PITA45

Post a pic?