[ScottS]

Anyone know if the Norinco 1897 clones are takedown like the originals? I'm specifically looking at the "cowboy" version, not the trench model.

Thanks.

Scott

[MrAcheson]

Not all original 1897s are takedown. I believe the Norincos are not because the gun is stronger that way.

[Preacherman]

I have one of them - it's not a takedown. I don't think they make a takedown model at all, due to strength considerations, as MrAcheson said.

[ScottS]

Thank you much!

Scott

[Ogive Meplat]

"...strength considerations..."???

Would somebody be so kind as to explain this with respect to the WIN 1897? I have one that is a take-down 12ga model that I carry in my motorcycle saddlebags. I've never experienced any problems with it, and had it checked-out for wear and defects by a very reputable 'smith before putting it into service. I'd be very interested in any links or verifiable/documented info regarding strength problems.

Thanks in advance!

[MrAcheson]

Its more of a bias than an empirical study. A single piece frame is one fewer major part. It won't wear like a takedown model will for instance.

[Ogive Meplat]

Thanks! I thought perhaps I'd missed something fundamental about its design.

There was only one type of receiver (frame) manufactured for the 97, and the difference between the takedown vs non-takedown models was the presence of a takedown extension, which is actually part of the barrel and magazine assembly, and consequently has no bearing on the "strength" of the receiver.

[dickwholliday]

you should really inspect the norinco before purchase.....i bought a couple to give away at the NRA banquet a while back and both had cracked stocks....which was plastic by the way.......a buddy just got one and was shucking it some to loosen it up and it locked up and he could not get it loose........another buddy took his brand new one to a cowboy match and the forearm nut was stripped out and the forearm flew off.......DICK

[Cthulhu]

I've seen some with really ugly, poorly finished and generally crappy looking orange wood, but never any with plastic stocks....

[Detritus]

i think Dick may be speaking of the Norinco clone of the 870. instead of a 1897 clone.....

the '97 had "apple crate No.3" stocks to begin with, now you can get that version, or for a little more money one with rather nice American walnut.

[dickwholliday]

maybe i should kept it as a collectors item because it was walnut colored plastic........also cowboy matches frown on Remington 870's at their matches......D I C K

[Detritus]

it was walnut colored plastic


interesting, so far you're the first person i've come across or seen mention of that has encountered a Norinco '97 so stocked. i know that all the examples i have personally examined were as i cited before either REAL walnut or that near Balsa like stuff painted orangish red.

well i'll have to keep an eye out then.


BTW, granting that in the past few months i haven't been on the SASSwire (a Cowboy action oriented forum, for those who don't know) much of late. but i haven't heard of many cases of failures like you describe, and certainly not within the batches that have come in within the past 18months.

oh well, maybe you somehow got a hold of a truly crappy lot of guns! were they sequential Ser#s??