The M97 Trench Gun: So LETHAL It's a War CRIME?!

Published on April 28, 2026
Duration: 14:04

This video provides an in-depth look at the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun, a firearm with significant World War I history. The presenter, who has prior experience with this model, demonstrates its operation, including the unique slam-fire capability. The video also covers the addition of a 1917 bayonet, discussing its historical significance and the challenges of acquiring authentic parts. The presenter highlights the shotgun's effectiveness in trench warfare and its controversial reputation, which led to attempts to ban it as a war crime.

Quick Summary

The Winchester 1897 Trench Gun is renowned for its slam-fire capability, allowing continuous firing by holding the trigger while cycling the pump. Its effectiveness in WWI trench warfare was so significant that it was controversially labeled a war crime by some.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introductory Demonstration
  2. 00:22Welcome and Introduction
  3. 00:38Introducing the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun
  4. 01:17History of the Trench Gun
  5. 01:44The 'War Crime' Controversy
  6. 02:17First Shots with the Trench Sweeper
  7. 02:58Slam Fire Demonstration
  8. 03:22Shooting Impressions
  9. 03:33Slam Fire Practice
  10. 04:01Action Sound and Performance
  11. 04:27Long Range Target Engagement
  12. 05:00Completing the Setup with Bayonet
  13. 05:07The 1917 Bayonet
  14. 05:19Bayonet Lug and Military Configuration
  15. 05:36Acquiring the Bayonet
  16. 05:49Replica Bayonet Attachment
  17. 06:33Trench Sweeper Complete
  18. 07:08Factory Configuration Explained
  19. 07:29Shooting with the Bayonet Attached
  20. 07:56Balance and Handling with Bayonet
  21. 08:16Impact on Bayonet Blade
  22. 08:36Targeting Adjustments
  23. 09:02Right-Handed Shooting and Ejection
  24. 09:20Performance Observations
  25. 09:32Steel Clay Popper Test
  26. 10:38Bouncy Ball Target Test
  27. 10:55Bird Shot Pellet Analysis
  28. 11:12Ballistic Box Test
  29. 11:45Bayonet Test Preparation
  30. 12:00Watermelon Bayonet Test
  31. 12:19Bayonet Test Results
  32. 12:49Post-Test Cleanup Issues
  33. 13:25Final Thoughts and Wrap-up

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun unique?

The Winchester 1897 Trench Gun is famous for its slam-fire capability, allowing it to fire repeatedly by holding the trigger and cycling the pump action. This feature, combined with its 12-gauge firepower, made it exceptionally effective in close-quarters combat during World War I.

Why was the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun considered controversial?

The extreme effectiveness of the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun in World War I trench warfare led to concerns from Germany, who reportedly attempted to have it banned as a war crime. Its destructive power in close combat was a significant factor in this controversy.

What is the historical significance of the 1917 bayonet on the Trench Gun?

The 1917 bayonet is the factory military configuration for the Winchester 1897 Trench Gun. It transforms the shotgun into a formidable close-combat weapon, and while authentic ones are rare and expensive, replicas allow for the complete historical setup.

How does the slam-fire feature work on the Winchester 1897?

To slam fire the Winchester 1897, the shooter holds the trigger down continuously. Each time the pump action is cycled, the hammer falls and fires the next round, enabling rapid, albeit less precise, firing.

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