Winchester 1897 Advice

[Gunnerpalace]

I have a chance to buy a Winchester 1897 on the cheap, I need some advice, basically the point I am trying to make is (DISCLAIMER) I fully intend on complying with state and federal law

I want to have the barrel cut down to "Riot gun" length legally, it has a full length barrel.

Am I wrecking a priceless heirloom, or can I get a legally shorter barrel,

Any advice? Help?

[6_gunner]

If it's cheap, buy it and trade it for a real 1897 riot gun or one that's already been cut to riot gun length.

There's no sense in de-valuing a classic gun if it's in original condition.

If you trade it for one that's already been cut down, you might even make some money on the deal.

[22lr]

If its on the cheap id buy it. I know a buddy who sold one (before he told me he was selling it :banghead:) to a guy who was going to put twice the money into in order to make a riot gun, with new barrel and stock (it wasn't an original condition gun). Guys like that are out there if you dont want to keep it in original form. And make enough to buy a real riot version.

[Gunnerpalace]

$250 good price?

[6_gunner]

If it's in good condition, I would consider that to be an excellent price.

I think the cheapest '97 I've seen was about $300, and it was kind of rough.

If I came across a good conditon '97 in any configuration for $250, I would jump on it.

[Bill B.]

Am I wrecking a priceless heirloom, or can I get a legally shorter barrel,



I have had 5 Win. 97's cut so far. Used them for CAS and I am sure all are still being used in CAS. Most of the ones I cut had either a poly or a cutts installed. Personally I like them around a 22 inch barrel length. In our area 97's are used by card shooters & CAS shooters and passed by collectors. The collectors all prefer the Win. M12. If cutting a barrel puts one of these old shotguns back in use I say go for it. They also make a heck of a house gun with a short barrel. $250 is an excellent price by the way.

[22lr]

Ive seen refinished ones that had the stock all cut up go for $400 so for $250 id be all over it. But again its kinda a if you want to gun.

[Gunnerpalace]

I bought it. Ran the serial number,

The year of manufacture for serial number ****** is 1914


:D

Score. Thanks

EDIT,
Still checking Serial Number I'm finding out it may be a late 1911 model.

[22lr]

Dang that is a score. Best of luck with it.