1897 Winchester Riot Model Question

[cowboy77845]

I did not find any Chicom replicas for any 400. I paid what was needed to get one because I wanted one. I expect the replicas to be more robust because of modern steels. My friend has one he uses for CAS. Says it works great. It probably gets a better workout than most and it is holding up well.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Although I like the shotgun, and I could be okay w the resto, it’s not worth a grand. $500 tops, but the rifle sights are a deal killer for me.

 

[Zygodactyl]

Which is more sought after, an 1897 or a model 12? Not counting cowboy action shooting.

Depends on what you are doing with it. Most of the riot gun length 1897's are bought for the cowboy matches. The 1897 would also be a good self-defense shotgun. It has no disconector so it will fire as fast as you can pump it with the trigger held back. The model 12 shows up occasionally at the wild bunch matches but I'm not familiar with it.

A word of caution the 1897 has a heavy firing pin and no rebound spring. They will occasionally fire when the action is slammed home from inertia. Always have it pointed down range when chambering a round. This will also happen with M1 Garands and Mas 49/56 rifles.

 

[herrwalther]

Looks like the buttstock might have been replaced as well. At the very least, I don't think the seller is giving you the full story on it.

 

[Bob Meyer]

I paid a grand for an 1897 trench gun, but I wouldn't for a riot gun.

 

[PapaG]

If you want it, buy it. But not at that inflated price. In my many years in the gun business I came close to tears when looking at wonderful collectible guns that had been "improved" into great looking pieces worth a small fraction of their unrestored value.
1886 Winchester short rifle. Case hardening polished off. Stampings blurred. Octagon barrel corners rounded. Crappy cold blue. As on pickers, picked original--$2500. Worth---$400 for parts. Profit $2100 NEGATIVE.
Don't touch that old heirloom before seeing a good appraiser!

 

[BigBlue 94]

Not for 1000 bucks...

Granted it was like 6 years ago, i paid 300 for an original very good condition 16ga '97. My two 12ga examples have been used and abused ten times over.

Top one in this pic