Cimarron 1897s?

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Panzerschwein

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How are the Cimarron 1897 Winchester clones? Do they jamb up all the time? I might get one to turn into an M97 trench gun if they're reliable enough. I did some reading and it appears they originate in China. This doesn't bother me, let's not make this political. I only care if the shotguns work well enough or not for recreational blasting.

Thoughts?
 
I have one of the Norinco 1897 Trench guns and it's been a great performer. I can't speak for the Cimmaron models though but once they are smoothed out they are pretty nice.
 
Unless it is 1) a family heirloom, or 2) you want to shoot cowboy action, I cannot think of a single reason to own a 97 over any of the at least a dozen later improved and more reliable designs.
 
I can think of a kazillion reasons for owning an 1897. However if I did own one I would keep it all original. Hence the need for a reliable clone to use as a mule to give my endless tinkering a good workout. Cooldill, I will be watching this thread closely for info and of course ideas. Yes, there are many better and more modern shotguns, but no modern pump has the historic background as the 1897. May John Browning rest in peace.
 
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I don't particularly need another shotgun, BUT I would really like a 1897 trench gun.

Is there any 1897 clone that runs well generally?
 
For just shooting and blasting, it would meet the need. I did some searches and can't really find a lot of information about the new clones.
 
Thanks, gang. There are repro heat shields with bayonet lugs and with some sling swivels and a GI style sling and M1917 bayonet (they make repros as well) would get me what I'm wanting. I understand they have made and imported trench gun configuration guns but I can't seem to find any at the moment.

Then I plan to get a repro M1918 shotgun ammo bag, maybe whip up some brass cased buckshot shells for it, and while I'm at it pick up a Rock Island standard GI style 1911 and convert it to a WW1 style M1911 with flat mainspring housing and correct grips. :) Oh, and a web belt, magazine pouch, and flap holster too! :)

Can you tell I've been day dreaming about this project? :D
 
Worth noting...depending on whose heatshield you use, you may have to use shims to keep it from walking off the stud on the magazine cap. At least one manufacturer makes allowances for the smaller outside diameter of civil 1897 barrels versus military (East Taylor, I think). Others (Numrich and Sarco, and probably a couple of others) do not. As the modern copies are based on commercial guns this can become problematic.

That's probably the major pitfall you'll discover in the conversion process. The rest is pretty straightforward.
 
The earliest version of the Norinco had quality issues but they supposedly made improvements to them over the years. If you are buying it specifically because you want a reproduction of a classic then they are fine. An occasional jamb is no big deal if you are just shooting clays. If you are thinking of buying it for self defense I wouldn't. They just aren't reliable compared to modern designs like the Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Benelli Nova, or Winchester 1300.
 
I have the Norinco and love it. I bought it from GB for $299.95. It was advertised as slightly used. I couldn't find a mark on it. I put the replica heat shield from GPC on it and it looks great. I have the trench broom I always wanted and less than $500 bucks invested. I'm not a salesman but the seller on GB has 72 of them left (seller: Gun Parts Corp.)

All of that to say, if you are not set on the Cimarron, you may want to check GB. Mine shoots and functions just fine. I've only had it a couple of months.
 
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I wondered about the Cimarron model.

I had a 20 inch Winchester '97 for 40 years and loved the way it handled. Not much slam firing but it was nice to know it could handle that. Pretty much mastered dropping the hammer on a live shell. Sure, there are more modern designs which handle the more powerful loads today but the '97 would still be the one I would go to in a hurry.
 
My first experience shooting with a 97 oh half a century ago sort of colors my impression of them. I fired, racked, ....and bled. That bolt was like a bacon slicer or at least a pretty good thumb knuckle slicer. Never really trusted them since. Something to think about in a stressful situation.

A Florida Highway Patrolman I knew had one some bumper shop had chromed for him and the wood was near black. He had a brass bead front sight on the 20 inch barrel. He really got folks' attention when he stepped out of the car with it.

Once saw four original trench guns in a floor rack at a gun store.......to bad that was in 1977,eh? Dealer tried to talk me into one but I kept thinking about that thumb knuckle. He even offered me a proper bayonet and a couple of boxes of brass 00 Buck. They were part of a police trade in deal he had made. Talk about "WishIdas"!

-kBob
 
Unless it is 1) a family heirloom, or 2) you want to shoot cowboy action, I cannot think of a single reason to own a 97 over any of the at least a dozen later improved and more reliable designs.

The expressions on the faces of the other shooters on the Skeet range was worth the purchase price.

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Unless it is 1) a family heirloom, or 2) you want to shoot cowboy action, I cannot think of a single reason to own a 97 over any of the at least a dozen later improved and more reliable designs.
I own one because I like the design and I enjoy using it. I also own a number of other shotguns including more modern guns and much more expensive guns. Luckily owning those does not preclude me from also owning an 1897. I own a number of old guns that are arguably out done by newer designs but I still find pleasure in owning/using.
 
Howdy

I bought this 1908 vintage Model 1897 when I first started shooting Cowboy Action. 12 gauge, 30" full choke barrel. A lot of the guys in CAS buy these old guns and saw off the barrels. I did not. I soon discovered the '97 was not the gun for me in CAS, and I have been shooting SXSs ever since. But I kept the ole '97 anyway. Turns out it is a pretty good Trap gun with that 30" Full Choke barrel, and I won quite a few Cowboy Trap competitions with it over the years.

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Yes, you have to be aware that when you pull the slide back the bolt comes right back at your hand. But as long as you keep your hand back a little bit on the wrist it is not a problem. No sharp edges on mine anyway, probably because it is so old.

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Regarding the Norinco '97s used in CAS, yes, they are very popular. I only see them with that short, 20" barrel. I wouldn't put much store in the 'silky smooth' action that Cimarron talks about in their advertising, I'm sure most serious CAS competitors have them smoothed up for competition. I can tell you that yes, they sometimes do fail, I have seen it happen, however you have to remember that serious CAS competitors run their guns very hard. I'm sure for the average shooter who just wants one for fun they are fine.

I do like to take my old '97 to the Trap field every once in a while, but my serious, day to day Trap gun is much newer.

My Model 12 that was made in 1948.

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P.S. Regarding lowering the hammer on a live round with a '97: Be very careful if you choose to do so. The hammer is very small, much smaller say, then the hammer of a SAA. Be careful and don't try it if your hands are sweaty.
 
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If you have a Cabelas close I would check them out. They must have heard the originals were collectible about 10 years late and stocked up... same with m12s. Marked at $600 they'll knock 25% off easy and with some negotiation you'll have one at $400. Beat up and already chopped.

My local one has 12s with Cutts installed sitting there for literally years. Usually a gun set up for a kid than graduated to a 870 when they came out.

HB
 
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