My Dad's Winchester 1897

[TheOtherOne]

It's definitely worn and well used with plenty of little dings and some pretty good scratches in the stock but I like it! Here she is:

http://www.layitlow.com/x/Guns/Dads-Winchester-97-1.jpg
http://www.layitlow.com/x/Guns/Dads-Winchester-97-2.jpg
http://www.layitlow.com/x/Guns/Dads-Winchester-97-3.jpg
http://www.layitlow.com/x/Guns/Dads-Winchester-97-4.jpg
http://www.layitlow.com/x/Guns/Dads-Winchester-97-7.jpg

According to it's serial number (828XXX) and this page (http://www.gunpartsspecialist.com/additionalinfo/winchester_1897_shotgun.htm) it was made in 1931.

All I really want to shoot out of it is the Wal-Mart 100 round value packs. It's not stamped 2 3/4" anywhere on the receiver though (http://thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=1448853&postcount=9) so does that mean I shouldn't be shooting it? On the barrel it has "Model 97 Winchester 12 GA. FULL"

[Hawgleg44]

Any 12ga 2-3/4" target load is fine with your gun. I've owned 4 of them, still have 3.

My oldest is an original Brush Gun made in 1898, then I have a 30" full choke takedown from 1907 and another 32" full choke takedown from 1913.

Enjoy the shotgun. I shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays with mine. 43 out of 50 last time out with the cylinder bore gun!

[Lee Lapin]

Well, one thing for sure- that ol' cornshucker has a lot more character than the Mossberg you were thinking about buying! Just to be on the safe side, resist any urge to "refinish" it in any way, leave all its wear as is. It's honestly gained and you will not improve anything by trying to make it like new again. And also resist any urge to start taking it apart as well. Not that you would, of course, but just to be on the safe side.

Enjoy it,

lpl/nc

[TheOtherOne]

I was actually thinking it would be real nice with all the bluing back -- but you're right. I won't do it.

I did already take it down to clean it, but since that is as simple as turning the magazine tube and turning the barrel off -- I'm guessing that's not what you meant by taking it apart! :) Don't worry, I don't know enough about it to do any more.

[Swamprabbit]

Great looking ole hammer gun. I've had up to three at one time but now just down to one. A 1902 model that still will knock out squirrels that other shotguns are afraid to go after. :)

You'll be fine shooting your 2 3/4 loads and as for re-bluing - PLEASE DON'T. The one I have left was refininshed at some point and it really detracts from their beauty. The wear on the gun tells a story that I don't think you want to cover up.

[Gunsnrovers]

Nice shooter. I have one also from the 1930's. I shoot it fairely often (did a lot when I shot CAS with it).

I'm of a different mind when it comes to the refinish. Earlier this year, I had mine gone over, tuned up, and reblued. My son and I will get to make our own history with it.

[TheOtherOne]

One question: How do you get the plug out? It's only holding 2 shells and I'm not planning on hunting with it, so I want to take it out.

There are two screws at the end of the magazine tube and I've taken those out. It looks like the locking pin has to come out too before that cap will come off but I can only get it to move out so far.

[simmonsguns]

it's good to see one without a rib on it.leave it as is,every scratch and ding tells a story.i would rather have one like that than like new.

[Gunsnrovers]

There is a small retaining pin you need to keep depressed while you push the pin out. When you're in there, it may not be a bad idea to spend a few bucks and put in a new spring if you're unsure of the age of the one in there now.

[TheOtherOne]

Cool. Got it. Thanks! Next time I need to remember to hold onto the cap before it and the spring goes flying across the room! :)

[kudu]

Next time I need to remember to hold onto the cap before it and the spring goes flying across the room!

He he he, we all learn that at least once the hard way. :D ;)

[9mmMike]

Mega-ultra-cool gun. :D

Thanks for sharing the pics!

[TheOtherOne]

I know I read somewhere that these should hold 6+1 but I can only get 5 shells in the tube. It's very close to six because I probably only need another 1/8" to get six in there but it just won't go. Is this normal, or did I possibly re-assemble the spring wrong? I think it was pretty self explanatory how it all went back together, but maybe not?

[BluesBear]

They're five+one in 12 gauge.

You could get six in the original 16 gauge guns when you used the old 2-9/16" shells.

Speaking of that, if you come across an old 16 gauge 1897 make sure of the chamber length before you fire it.
All of the 12 gauge guns were 2¾" but the early 16s were not.

[Dave McCracken]

You've a real classic there. I get all squishy inside about family guns anyway, but 97s do hold more than the usual sentiment for me.

Take care of it. Shoot it and remember.....