Original Item: Only one available. Here is a fine example of the world’s first successful pump/slide-action repeating shotgun, the Winchester Model 1893, designed by John Moses Browning in the late 19th century and widely regarded as one of the most influential shotgun designs in history. This 12-gauge example — serial number 4564, dating it to 1893, the very FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION.

This example is in the correct 12 gauge chambering (marked 12 over the chamber) and features a 29" barrel with a front brass bead sight. The barrel is crowned correctly so this is either a special order barrel of shortened from an original 30" due to muzzle damage.

The slide attached to the fore-stock is clearly marked WINCHESTER / MODEL 1893 while the top of the barrel retains the original Winchester address and patent stamping: “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. MODEL 1893. PAT. NOV.25.1890. & DEC.6.1892.” 

Historically significant and relatively scarce — Winchester later traded in many Model 1893s for the smokeless-powder-capable Model 1897, and the short production run plus examples damaged by smokeless loads make surviving original 1893s uncommon — this piece is the first Model 1893 we’ve had available.

The original walnut stock and fore-stock are sound and solid with the classic dark red-brown glow of aged oiled walnut; the butt has a carved pistol grip and some period oxidation on the metal buttplate, while the fore-stock retains crisp grip grooves and remnants of varnish. 

The bore is clear and mostly bright with some minor powder fouling and minor oxidation nearer the chamber; externally the barrel shows a ding about 5" from the muzzle on the left and another about 12" from the muzzle on the right (the first ding is faintly visible from inside the bore, the second is not).

The exterior metal displays a pleasing plum patina where original bluing has aged; the magazine tube beneath the fore-stock shows brighter steel from pump movement, while areas behind it have worn to plum. The action, originally case-hardened, has worn to a gray patina except for portions of the bolt that retain blued finish; mechanically the pump cycles smoothly and the action functions fully with no mechanical issues noted. 

Overall, this well-preserved, historically important Winchester Model 1893 has been cleaned for display and represents a rare opportunity to own an authentic early-production example of a revolutionary shotgun design.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: 12 gauge
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29.25 Inches with 2-5/8” Chamber
Overall Length: 47 1/2 Inches
Action type: Pump / Slide Action Repeater
Feed System: Pump magazine tube

The Winchester Model 1897 and the Winchester Model 1893 were both designed by John Browning. The Model 1897 is an external hammer shotgun lacking a trigger disconnector. This means that the user can hold the trigger down while cycling the shotgun and once the action is returned to battery the shotgun fires. The firearm itself is classified as a slide action pump shotgun. It was the first truly successful pump-action shotgun produced. Throughout the time period the Model 1897 was in production, over a million of the type were produced in various grades and barrel lengths. 16-gauge guns had a standard barrel length of 28 inches, while 12-gauge guns were furnished with 30-inch length barrels. Special length barrels could be ordered in lengths as short as 20 inches, and as long as 36 inches. Along with various grades and barrel lengths, the Model 1897 came in two different chamberings. One was the 12 gauge and the other was the 16 gauge. The shells should be of the 2+5⁄8 inch or 2+3⁄4 inch models. Any shells larger are not recommended. An average Model 1897 can hold 6 shotgun shells in the magazine tube. When working the action of the Model 1897 the forend (fore grip) is pulled back, forcing the breech bolt to the rear which extracts and then ejects the spent shell while simultaneously cocking the external hammer by pushing it to the rear. When the forend is slid forward again, the breech bolt pushes a fresh shell into the gun's chamber and locks into place.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.