Just like the Model 12, the Model 97 started life as a six-shot repeater with five 2 3/4 inch roll crimped shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. The new style Super-Seal crimp shells were just enough shorter that one could get six in the magazine, making them a seven shot repeater. Don't have one in hand to check, but that is what the Winchester catalogues from 1950 on state.

I do know I saw LtCol Dempsie Davies kill six Ptarmigan in six shots on the covey rise with his Model 12 in September 1974, and he said they flock had gotten just too far to try the seventh shot.


Last edited by Researcher; 09/26/16 09:50 AM.