Winchester 1897 question

[lbmii]

I have come upon a 2 3/4 inch 12 gauge Winchester 1897 for sale that appears to be brand new. It is a take down model and there is no play whatsoever between the barrel and the breech. The mechanicals are all tight and new in appearance with a light coating of clear oil. The bluing is new in appearance and the lettering stampings are sharp. Is is not marked as Chinese. The barrel is marked Winchester and is over 30 inches long with a full choke. The wood is very good and unused looking however it does appear to be old. The serial number places the year of manufacture at 1929. It appears to be unfired. The price is about $300.

Did Winchester reintroduce the 1897 in the recent past? With a new set of serial numbers that might get confused with the old Winchesters? I guess it is conceivable that a person could have bought a new Winchester 1897 back in 1929 and simply stored it away and kept it well oiled and cared for. But it is so new in appearance it makes me wonder if it is a reproduction.

 

[TNT]

If it's in almost perfect condition I would guess that it has been reblued sometime over the years. At $300 I would be bringing that bad boy home.

 

[Swamprabbit]

If it is a Winchester then it is most likely a restored version. I don't believe they have made any since about '56.

 

[TaxPhd]

Take the barrel off and check the series of notches that are used to take up the excess play. It will give you an indication of hjow used it is. If it is at the end of the notches, the gun can be tight, but well used.



Scott

 

[kudu]

Regardless if it is used or been restored go buy it right now As beater that has had the barrel cut and is in 60% condition is going for three hundred dollars around here.