cimarron firearms Winchester is working on a Model 1897 replica, and according to what President Mike Harvey shared in a recent product development video, it is being built to a level of authenticity Cimarrón Known for. The prototype, number one, has been produced, tested, and approved by the ATF. It cycles and works, but Harvey is still working through fine detail improvements before going into full production.
The video, sent directly to their overseas manufacturer along with photos, documents exactly what changes are needed. Harvey is comparing the prototype to the original 1897, and pointing out distinctive differences in metal cut, stock dimensions, butt plate profile, and markings. Things that most people would never notice but that Harvey would absolutely notice. The number has to be moved to the correct position from the edge of the original. The stock needs to be fuller and more rounded. Some metal cuts need to match the radiused edges of the original rather than the square drops of the prototype.
Special attention is being given to the butt plate. The original 1897 butt plate has the Winchester Repeating Arms script imprinted into the metal, and Cimarrón The version will place the name Cimarron in the same arc and spacing because, as Harvey points out, both names have almost the same number of letters. The markings on the top of the barrel will also be placed exactly where they appear on the original.
Two variants are in development. Standard 1897 and World War I and World War II US trench gun configuration with heat shield, bayonet lug, US military markings and flaming cannonball armament stamps that appear on the original trench gun. Harvey is firing flaming cannonballs everywhere Cimarrón Matching version. The bayonet lug would be present on the trench gun model but has been modified so that a bayonet cannot actually be attached.
No MSRP has been announced and Harvey’s own description timeline puts 1897 about six months ahead. Given that it is still in the prototype improvement stage, the timeline may change. Cimarrón Harvey has been making quality replica firearms for over 40 years and the attention to detail in the development process tracks what Harvey has historically provided.
Are you a fan of the Model 1897 platform, and is the trench gun configuration or the standard civilian model more interesting to you? Let us know in the comments below. We always appreciate feedback.
