[hayseed]

I would like to hear some thoughts on the Norinco shotguns, specifically the "defender" series. Any complaints?

[model 649]

They likely function acceptably, but why send more money to China? The citizenry can't own the product they sell here because they are less free than we are. Why fill the pockets of such a government(if you don't have to)?
$.02
Josh

[Dave McCracken]

Besides the political and ethical implications of supporting the largest dictatorship left on the planet....

One thing US gunmakers have down perfectly is how to build and furnish a repeating shotgun that lasts well past the first generation of user and can handle varied assignments while costing less than a week's pay for a working person.

Buy American.....

[mr.trooper]

Seriously.

The Norinco "tactical" Ithica 37 rip-offs were going for about $250 NIB on Gun Broker. for that price you could go to Walmart and buy a NEW Remington 870, that you KNOW will out-live you!

I like Norinco guns, but i have to agree with the others on this one. Go American.

[Otherguy Overby]

There are a couple of features about 97s I like.

I like exposed hammers on long guns that tend to be leaned up against the wall, ready for action.

I also like the fact one can shoot one as fast as you can rack the slide while holding the trigger back. This could be either a bug or a feature depending on one's own views.

A 97 of some sort is on my short list.

It seems to me that winchester/usa repeating arms is making a big mistake by not making current 1897 shotguns.

[Slater]

The Ithaca 37 clones are $150 at Big 5 (assuming there's one in your area).

[crucible]

but why send more money to China?

More specifically: why enrich CHiCom military generals and better their gunmaking ability?

I'd love to have an inexpensive 97, but will not do so for that reason.

Winchester could be making a mint if they made them today methinks.

My opinion-and worth every penny you paid for it.

Cruc

[hayseed]

thanks for the response, I didn't know Norinco was Chi-com made, I know nothing about these guns. Sounds like I'll pass and stick with Mossberg. Never had a Rem 870 though, might be another option.

[Slater]

Nothing to do with politics, but...

The Norinco Ithaca and Remington 870 clones are generally around $150-180 depending on the source. Their Winchester 97 Trench Gun is about $350-400.

Is the 97 that much more complex to make, or what accounts for the price differential?

P.S. I guess it's Interstate Arms, not Norinco any more.

[dfariswheel]

The Winchester 1897 is a much more complex gun, made of all milled parts.
It costs more to make, because of all the machine and hand work, so the price is higher.

The Chinese guns have been imported under a number of names including:
Norinco, Brolin, Interstate, and Hawk, among others, but they were all made by Norinco.

[JNewell]

Winchester could be making a mint if they made them today methinks

I was going to say "I don't think so" -- because it would cost a ton to tool up for this and make a quality product. And, I think that's true -- but BrownFNchester does seem to do a fair trade in vintage repros (all made in Japan, btw) -- so maybe it's possible? Historically, though, the rifles have done well but the shotguns have done poorly (Model 12 in various gauges, Model 42). The price would be very high, probably $1500 or so at least, probably more?...I don't think they'd sell many...but I could be wrong. Certainly the CAS types have driven up the price of the originals quite a great deal, so who knows.

[greg531mi]

The Ithaca 37 clones are $150 at Big 5 (assuming there's one in your area).
$119 at Dunhams....I bought mine at Dunhams for $99, on special...Mine works fine, accurate, at 25 yards, with slugs, three were touching in the 8's.. Heard of some early ones they had trouble with. Wouldn't pay no $150 for it, the NEF Partner is Chinese too, and they want $189 for a name....????
Just wait til Remington comes out with the Spartan Russian shotguns, the price will increase at least 50%, when they put their name on it....

[smithj156]

its a good gun for the money got both shotgun stock and Pistol Grip it is fun as hell also theres allot of ???? u can add but you dont need to allready got a short barel for home defense only paid 199 great deal with both stocks