If you scroll down a little, I've posted a link to a site that has some pretty good takedown instructions.
Look for "1897 takedown instructions" under the heading "related links".
You'll need a proper set of gunsmiths screwdrivers.
That bucket of craftsman screwdrivers in the basement isn't going to cut it.
That gun hasn't been apart in a very long time and you're going to mess up the screw heads if you don't use the proper size driver.
You'll need to post the model number of the gun, it will be stamped into the barrel next to the Winchester name.
your model 1897 shotgun was made in 1937.
A pump shotgun.
The winchester model 42 was a .410 pump very like the old model 12 pump
Your winchester model 12 shotgun was made by winchester in 1947.
your winchester model 1200 shotgun has a pump action.
your winchester model 12 pump shotgun was produced by winchester in 1942.
Your Winchester model 1897 was produced in 1915.
Your winchester model 1897 pump shotgun was made by winchester in 1921.
I have a Winchester Model 80 - 22 short rifle, but I am unable to find any info on it. It is pump action, has a hammer, and a hex barrel. The serial # is 554XXX. ---- Two things to clarify here - The above reference to a Model 80 pump rifle is likely the result of an illegible stamp for a Winchester Model 90. I have seen a number of guns within this model described as a Model 80. As for the Model 80 and a relationship to the Model 88, Winchester did develop a prototype bolt-action rifle chambered for .30-80 caliber. Winchester quickly renamed the cartridge to the .308 WCF. Other than the cartridge, there is no relationship to the Model 88.
Your winchester model 12 pump action shotgun was made by winchester in 1928.
Your winchester model 1897 pump action shotgun was made by winchester in 1942.