You, sir are correct. Over 1 million, most in 12 gauge- and not including the previous open top breech model 1893 that WRA re-worked into the 1897 design. First series was a non-take-down, then the take-down option was offered and the solid frame model relegated to the brush gun- shorter magazine with 26" cyl, bore barrel. Jim Carmichael once wrote his uncle who used such a M1897 for quail- said it sounded like a chain saw as it shucked out 5 empty paper hulls and five dead quail hit the ground. Mama mia.

"The field is the touchstone of the man"..