Early Winchester 1897

[trbon8r]

I'm looking at a Winchester 1897 for sale. The seller claims the gun was made during the early 1900s. How good a shooter do the early guns make?

My understanding is that there was a lot of advancement in metallurgy through the 1900s, and I was wondering how good the steel is in the early guns compared to later models? Thanks.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I shot a few rounds from a 1903 97 not too long ago. The owner was the fourth or fifth generation in that family to use it. Worked fine. He told me he had taken it to a smith for a going over and cleaning, probably its first. Smith told him it was a Forever Gun and never to sell it.

As with ANY shotgun made before WWII, a trip to see a smith for a going over is mandatory.

I like 97s,so I admit some bias. However, using ammo suited for the thing( No Steel shot, no long shells) and some TLC should yield good results.

If you get it, bring it down to PGC Trap And Skeet Center near NASA some Saturday. We'll try it out on Wobble......

 

[Red Cent]

What series is it? C, D, E.

http://marauder.homestead.com/Model97sn.html

Does it have a spring ejector in front of the left extractor?

If it is original it may have a 2 5/8" chamber which is not safe since you will be shooting 2 3/4" shells.I would not use "duck" loads. Most will not blow up but the condition will develop some high pressure spikes. If you purchase the gun, have the forcing cone lengthened. This will do away with the 2 5/8" problem and actually lower "perceived " recoil. Probably $50-75.00.
A solid, functioning M97 with patina/blue, good wood, good to excellent bore, no exterior pitting, would go for around $500.00 down here.

 

[trbon8r]

Thanks for the info guys. Now I know. I think I'm going to pass on this particular shotgun. It sounds like the condition isn't quite what I was looking for.

Thanks Dave. I want to check out PGC for some clays sometime. I also want to get over to Pintail Point for some sporting clays. Thanks again.

 

[Tom Held]

Nice old guns

I agree with Dave. If you can find a good one buy it. I found one a couple of years ago for I believe about $500. That may be a little steep but it's in excellent mechanical condition with a typical 30" barrel and full choke and it came with a 26" barrel choked skeet.

The first time I shot on a trap range I was next to a guy with a new Kreighoff trap gun. He shot 16/25 and I shot 24/25 and dropped the last bird. It started to drizzle a little and I looked at him and said "...I better put this gun away before it gets wet, I paid $125 for it..." and just walked away.

Tom

 

[Dave McCracken]

Tom, shame on you,heh,heh....

To Tom and Tr, I should be able to get to PGC around 1 PM Saturday. How about a round or 5 of Wobble down on range 4? I can bring Number Six and we'll have a Pump Gun Shootoff.....

 

[Tom Held]

I might be able to get out there Dave.

 

[trbon8r]

Dave,

Many thanks for the invitation, but I won't be able to get down there this weekend. I will take a rain check though. Sounds like fun!

 

[Dave McCracken]

I'll look for you,Tom. I may, repeat may, have a co worker along who has never shot a shotgun but has handguns. I''ll walk her through.

Another time. T. I'm there most Saturdays.

 

[trbon8r]

Dave,

I'll send you a PM one of these days. My schedule is pretty rough right now.

I really would like to get into trap/skeet, and sporting clays. So many different shooting disciplines and so little time/money......

 

[Dave McCracken]

"...so little time.money..."

Amen.

Were I to hit the Lottery for "40 acres and a mule", I'd be shooting more and more often. Pick up a few shotguns too.

See ya when your schedule permits.....

 

[788Ham]

A buddy of mine picked one up several years ago, it was from the Ohio State Pen, 20" cylinder bore. He finally found a new 30" barrel for it at a gun show, had it put on the '97 and it shoots great, 2 3/4" loads.

 

[winchester '97]

Mine is an 07 and it works just fine, used to shoot trap with the thing lol, the 26 inch barreled norinco reproduction is a fine shotgun as well, i shoot mine as much as the original.

 

[whalerman]

I just bought a 1921 Winchester 1897. Not the prettiest thing but it seems nice enough. I will have my gunsmith take a look at it as it sticks when ejecting. I have not shot it. Its just noticable while working that ejection stroke. I get the feeling it isn't a huge problem. I bought it for $200 and will take my changes. Any ideas. What kind of ammo would you suggest for it. I want to make sure it lasts a long time. 28 eight inch barrel, full choke. Love it.

 

[ReloaderFred]

The Model 97 requires a slight forward movement of the slide before ejecting a live shell, or even opening the action. When fired, this is done for you by the momentum of the recoil.

It's a good idea to have the gun checked by a qualified gunsmith. It probably has a short chamber, so have him look at that.

My wife shoots a Model 97 that was made in 1899, and until I bought a newer one (1954 gun), my main match gun was one made in 1912. We own seven of them, and all but the 1954 gun required lengthening the chambers and releaving the forcing cone.

Hope this helps.

Fred