Just today picked up a Winchester Model 97, 30" bbl...according to the serial number, 824xxx, was made in either 31 or 32...what I need help on is right above the serial number on the action half of the gun is the letter "E"...it is not above the matching serial number on the bbl..anyone have any idea what that signifies?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks..

The "E" indicates a design change, although what was changed I don't know. Changes were noted with a stamped letter, near as I can find out "E" was the last change made to the 97.

According to my data, your gun was made in 1931. The first Model 97 made in 1932 was #826574.

DC

The "E" indicates a design change, although what was changed I don't know. Changes were noted with a stamped letter, near as I can find out "E" was the last change made to the 97.

According to my data, your gun was made in 1931. The first Model 97 made in 1932 was #826574.

DC

DC
Thanks for the info as I know very little about this model..what I found out from someone who knows Winchester is the stock had been cut and a new pad attached. Any sources for an original replacement stock? Would like to get it back to as close to original as possible...pretty good shape considering its 75 old age...

Thanks again
Frank

DC
Any sources for an original replacement stock? Would like to get it back to as close to original as possible...pretty good shape considering its 75 old age...
Thanks again
Frank

The only place I know of is Numrich, and they're currently sold out. Sometimes they will get a part, check every so often.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=57510&chrSuperSKU=&MC=

There are probably other sources that I'm not aware of.

DC