Norinco 97

[sealer]

Just bought one of these (a copy of the Winchester 1897 pump) and it has a 25" barrel marked 12 gauge 2 3/4", but no markings as to the choke.
What are these guns choked to ?
TIA, Dennis

 

[JCooperfan1911]

I would look around older, well established gun shops for a used authentic Winchester 1897. You can get them in solid working order for not much money if you go to the right places. Have never heard a good thing about long term use of the Chinese shotguns.

 

[sealer]

That's not what I'm asking.

 

[hq]

AFAIK, cylinder. When I bought mine many moons ago that was one of the reasons I chose 20" trench model instead. Same choke, shorter barrel, a heat shield and a bayonet lug.

@JCooperfan1911 : I've never heard anyone wearing out a Norinco 97 (or their 1911 for that matter), the steel is exceptional even though fit and finish are anything but.

 

[sealer]

I tried the old time test of putting a dime down the muzzle, and it would not fit. so I'm assuming it's a full choke.
Dennis

 

[hq]

In that case your guess is as good as mine until you get it gauged. There may be several different models out there.

 

[swingmaster]

I tried the old time test of putting a dime down the muzzle, and it would not fit. so I'm assuming it's a full choke.
Dennis

If you don’t want to get it mic’d up, you can always pattern it and see first-hand how your guns shoots. This is close to accurate: at 40 yards, 70% of pellets in a 30 inch circle is generally considered full choke, 65% is IM, 60% is modified, 50% is IC and 40% is Cyl Bore.

 

[Virginian]

I remember when the first of these ever arrived on these shores. They sent an old worn out 97 over to the plant to copy. They did, perfectly. Brand new worn out 97s.

 

[sealer]

All the bashing may be true, but when the gun is in 95% condition and selling for $200 , you can overlook it's shortcomings and take a chance.
Dennis

 

[MacAR]

For a 12 gauge, a dime won't (usually) go in a full choke. On my Winchester 1897, a dime goes to FDR's mouth; the gun is marked full. My BRNO SLE double is choked IC/MOD; a dime is a tight fit in the MOD barrel, and slides easily down the I/C barrel. The old dime trick is one I've used often, but unfortunately it only works on 12 gauge guns. The smaller bores require a dedicated choke gauge.

As a slight aside, I didn't know Norinco ever made a 97 copy with a longer barrel. All I've seen are riot guns. There is a Norinco ATD in my collection. And while it isn't the quality of a Browning, it serves me well.

Mac

 

[hq]

Brand new worn out 97s.

You may have a point. There's not one screw in the Norinco that stays in place without a dab of blue Loktite on it.

 

[Renton83]

That must be a different model then normal. All the norinco 1897 I see here have the short 18.5" barrel. If yours is longer I can see that being full choke.

 

[sealer]

On another board someone said there were 3 different models - a trench model, a riot model, and a field model. Apparently I have the rare field model.
Dennis

 

[cdb1]

I would look around older, well established gun shops for a used authentic Winchester 1897.

Why? He’s already bought a shotgun.

Have never heard a good thing about long term use of the Chinese shotguns.

I’m with hq.

 

[MI2600]

Does anyone have the 12 ga choke measurements?