Call of Duty: World at War (2008)

World at War M1897 Trench Gun

ShotgunsUnlocked at Level 2No weapon camos
ShotgunsM1897 Trench Gun — Call of Duty: World at War (2008) weapon render

How do you unlock the M1897 Trench Gun?

The M1897 Trench Gun unlocks at Level 2 in Call of Duty: World at War (2008). The four-shell pump action offers more follow-up capacity than the Double-Barreled Shotgun and is available during the opening ranks. It is built for rooms, corners and short routes; every missed shell matters because the pump cycle gives the opponent time to answer. World at War multiplayer has no selectable weapon camos; Expert headshot challenges award XP only.

UnlockLevel 2
Weapon camosNot in this game

Reviewed July 26, 2026. Weapon ranks and Marksman requirements were checked against original World at War multiplayer rank and challenge tables plus contemporaneous platform guides; historical models were cross-checked against museum and firearm-reference records. Loadout advice is editorial. Multiplayer only — not Campaign, Zombies, Call of Duty: WWII (2017), or later games.

Sources: Official World at War manual · Prima official game guide sample · Contemporaneous multiplayer guide · World at War challenge reference · Weapon camouflage reference

How does the M1897 Trench Gun play in World at War?

RoleSustained close-range pump shotgun
Real-world basisAmerican Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun
StrengthsMore sustained capacity than the double barrel; Unlocks at Level 2 and also appears in a preset class
TradeoffsPump delay punishes a missed close shot; Grip occupies Perk 1 and cannot solve the weapon's short range
AttachmentsGrip — 25 kills; Bayonet — 75 kills; Grip reduces recoil but uses Perk 1; Bayonet is useful only if the route regularly ends in melee distance
Challenge noteExpert I-III use 25, 75 and 150 headshots for 100, 500 and 1,000 XP. They unlock no weapon camo.
Use tipMove between hard cover and fire only when the whole spread can land. Do not challenge open rifle lanes.
Compared withIt holds twice as many shells as the Double-Barreled Shotgun, while the double barrel can fire its second shot without a pump.

No multiplayer weapon camos — Expert headshot challenges award XP, not skins. See the camo, perk and Pack-a-Punch distinctions.

Read the camo explainer

M1897 Trench Gun — common questions

What level does the M1897 Trench Gun unlock at in World at War?

The M1897 Trench Gun unlocks at Level 2 in Call of Duty: World at War (2008) multiplayer. The level cap is 65, and prestige is up to 10 on all main multiplayer platforms.

Does the M1897 Trench Gun take camos?

No — the M1897 Trench Gun cannot equip weapon camouflage in Call of Duty: World at War (2008). Its Marksman kill challenges unlock attachments, while Expert headshot challenges award XP only.

Can you unlock the M1897 Trench Gun for me?

Yes — our World at War Unlock All service covers prestige 1-10, max level 65, every weapon, attachment, perk and challenge unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $9.99. See the service.

More Shotguns

All Call of Duty: World at War (2008) weapons →
Double-Barreled Shotgun — Call of Duty: World at War (2008)Double-Barreled ShotgunLevel 29 · Shotguns

Skip the grind

Our World at War Unlock All service includes prestige 1-10, max level 65, every weapon, attachment, perk and challenge unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $9.99.

See World at War servicesSee exact inclusions on the service page