New stock for ol' 97

[MacAR]

Well folks, I'm in the market for some new wood for my old 1897 Winchester. I'm having a tough time finding a set of reasonably priced wood, but have run across a set of Model 12 furniture in nice shape for a decent price. Would that stock and forend fit my 1897? If it matters, the 97 is an E series without the holes in the forend. Any help would certainly be appreciated!

Mac

 

[CoalTrain49]

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product-configurator

Looks like they have stocks and fore ends for the 97.

 

[MacAR]

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product-configurator

Looks like they have stocks and fore ends for the 97.

Yep, they do... just had a bad experience with them once and am a bit gun-shy about them. Thanks though. The stock set I've found is also the same price as Boyd's wants for just the stock. $80 shipped sounds like a good deal on a stock/forearm set but before I spend the money I'd like to know if they fit or could be made to fit.

Mac

 

[CoalTrain49]

Yep, they do... just had a bad experience with them once and am a bit gun-shy about them. Thanks though. The stock set I've found is also the same price as Boyd's wants for just the stock. $80 shipped sounds like a good deal on a stock/forearm set but before I spend the money I'd like to know if they fit or could be made to fit.

Mac

I have one of their stocks on an M1 carbine. Fit perfectly with no issues. YMMV.

 

[rbernie]

I have probably bought close to three dozen Boyd’s stocks, and I think it’s a reasonable option in this case. It is certainly the easiest way to get something that is likely to fit out of the box.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I'd compare an 1897 to a Model 12 closely before ordering. I suspect from just checking JB Woods' manual pages on the 1897 and Model 12 they are different.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I'd compare an 1897 to a Model 12 closely before ordering. I suspect from just checking JB Woods' manual pages on the 1897 and Model 12 they are different.

I think if they were the same Boyd's wouldn't have them listed separately. I'm pretty sure they're different. I have a model 97.

 

[dieselchief]

high plains gun stock in lincoln ne

 

[MacAR]

I'm pretty sure they're different

Best I can tell, the 1897 has a longer trigger-guard tang than the M12. Other than that, the dimensions seem to be similar. I also have a 16 gauge M12 and comparing the two, that's all I could find. Unfortunately it doesn't really make a difference now, as sudden financial obligations have forced me to put the '97 project on the back burner. At least I got the barrel cut and threaded first; I can hunt pretty much anything I want with it now from dove to deer. If it comes right down to it, I may try to repair the cracked wrist and refinish the wood when I refinish the metal. Whatever I do will have to wait a while now. Thanks to everyone for their input!

Mac

 

[BigBlue 94]

For your comparing pleasure. 3 '97s on top and 2 M12s on the bottom

 

[MacAR]

For your comparing pleasure. 3 '97s on top and 2 M12s on the bottom

That 97 in the middle sure has a lot of drop in the stock, doesn't it? That surely must be an aftermarket/home-made stock. Regardless, I like it! Hell, I like all of 'em!

Mac

 

[BigBlue 94]

That 97 in the middle sure has a lot of drop in the stock, doesn't it? That surely must be an aftermarket/home-made stock. Regardless, I like it! Hell, I like all of 'em!

Mac

Idk, but I did notice that. Its the same basic shape as the top stock, but more drop. That and the other dark wooded '97 have been in my family since before my dad was born in '59. Its patina matches the forend. Neither are safe to shoot without a look over first. The other is a 16ga that shoots wonderfully.

 

[MacAR]

The other is a 16ga that shoots wonderfully.

I've wished many times that my M12 16 gauge was an 1897. Not knocking the M12, by any means. Just like 97's more. Lot of the old timers around here quail hunted with M12's and 97's that had the first 3 or 4 inches cut off the end of the barrel. Then the A5's sorta took over, along with the 1100's; I seem to remember more 1100's when I was younger. The old Winchesters and Brownings had mostly been resigned to kitchen-door corners, guarding gardens and chicken pens. Guess I'm the only knucklehead around these parts still hunting with SxS's and M12/1897's.

Mac

 

[CoalTrain49]

I've wished many times that my M12 16 gauge was an 1897. Not knocking the M12, by any means. Just like 97's more. Lot of the old timers around here quail hunted with M12's and 97's that had the first 3 or 4 inches cut off the end of the barrel. Then the A5's sorta took over, along with the 1100's; I seem to remember more 1100's when I was younger. The old Winchesters and Brownings had mostly been resigned to kitchen-door corners, guarding gardens and chicken pens. Guess I'm the only knucklehead around these parts still hunting with SxS's and M12/1897's.

Mac

I did all of my upland hunting with sxs's. I used a Beretta 426E on pheasants and a very old G E Lewis for grouse. I still have the Lewis but I haven't shot it in at least 12 years. The model 97 belonged to my dad. It has two barrels (30" and 18") with the same SN so I know it came that way from the factory. My dad purchased it from a neighbor around 1955. It was built in 1917 and I think he was the original owner. It was well used.