winchester 1897

[javjacob]

I have a 1899 Winchester 1897, its a 12 gauge and has the 30 inch barrel and none of the fancy stuff. when I first inherited it the wood fore grip was broken so I replaced it with a new one. I fired a few rounds through it and it locked up solid. cant get the pump action to move so it has been sitting in the gun cabinet since as it hadn't been a high priority.

I don't really like how the fore grip and stock don't match since the stock is original and the fore grip is new, also the bluing is all gone and is now brown like you would expect from a 115 year old gun. my question is what should I do with it? replace the stock with a new one so it matches and sell the original? or do that and restore the gun and have it re blued?

just brainstorming. I think the gun froze up because it needs to be taken apart and cleaned/ re lubed. could also be some worn parts? I want to make it a good functioning gun but don't want to hurt the patina too much. just trying to figure out what route to go with it

 

[content]

The 1897 has an action release button on the left side you push in.
Not sure about an 1899 DOM but some actions were also released by pushing the forend forward a bit.

I have a Military 1897 and do shoot it occasionally but have other shotguns for heavy use.

If you decide to get rid of the old shoulder stock please PM me. If the broken forearm is still around please keep them together.

Hope you find what works for you.