It is said that Browning had some difficulty selling this concept to Winchester at first ... Chambered only in 12 and 16 gauge, the basic Model 1897 carried a price of $25 at its introduction.

Over a million "Model 97" shotguns in various configurations, barrel lengths and grades (from standard to really fancy and engraved) in 16-gauge and 12-gauge were produced by Winchester from 1897 ...

Yet in its standard 30-inch-barreled configuration, the 12-gauge version of John Browning ... From 1898 through the 1960s, Winchester offered its Model 1897 as a Riot Gun (take-down versions ...