Winchester 1897 takedown

[ifit]

takedown version with a 30" full choke and original bluing...but some surface rust already showing up. he's askin $700 what you guys think of the price? I have a norinco copy Trench...but having an original 1897(takedown) I wouldn't mind having. Ok to shoot modern day 12g birdshot, 00buck etc..?
Appreciated thanks

 

[average_shooter]

I paid $365 for a 1920's-era 1897 in similar condition back in December. That was at a Cabela's and they are usually over-priced. Another 1897 on the rack next to it was priced at $465. $700 seems a bit steep.

I understand it was and still is common to have the chambers reamed to take modern 2.75" shells as the early guns had shorter chambers. Later models had 2.75"chambers from the factory. Have yours checked by someone that understands how to do it properly.

 

[CaptTripps]

I think its high, by a couple hundred anyways. I wouldn't mind a shooter, cut down to 20", rust blued with oil finished stocks.

 

[LoneGoose]

When CAS became popular, I sold one for $300, and I couldn't have given it away two years before. I think that market has stabilized and $400 would probably be right for a very nice one.

 

[Liberty1776]

Way too high. I am a fan of the 30' bbls too, and regularly shop Gunbroker and Auction Arms - you will not have to spend this much.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Seems WAY High to me too, unless it's one of the last ones made in the mid 1950's, in really good condition.

rc

 

[Panzerschwein]

'97s are great.

Were used to great effect in WW2 and Vietnam for combat.

 

[rcmodel]

First used in WWI for trench warfare.

That's where they become known as Trench Brooms.

Nothing quite like a 7 shot 12 gage for sweeping out a trench full of Germans intent on killing you.

rc

 

[ifit]

Thanks all for your input, and great heads up on the earlier models with shorter chamberings. actually heading there tomorrow and get some picks of serial numbers etc....and do a little research before I commit, and see if he will take a lower offer than $700

 

[Panzerschwein]

They make repro heat shields for these, and bayonets as well. Might be a fun project.