Winchester Model 1897 16 Gauge

[dillontjernlund]

I have a Winchester Model 1897 chambered in 16 Gauge. I got it from a friend from work to "hold on to" because his collection was getting too large. He asked me to find out a bit about it for him because he just recently purchased it.

I looked up the serial numbers and it looks like it was within the first 700 produced in 1910. Its beautifully blued and the furniture is absolutely amazing for its age, great looking varnished walnut with no scratches at all. The bore is shiny and looks brand new, I doubt its ever been fired extensively, and has probably been maintained very well.

I've heard the 16 gauge 1897s are fairly rare, and I'd be more than grateful if anyone knows anything else about this great gun. If you know what they sell for nowadays, that'd be great to know. If anyone has any questions I'd be more than glad to answer them with the information I have.

Thank you.

 

[Red Cent]

You will find that the prices of a 16 are all over the place. You can buy a 75-80% for around $500.00. I sold a very decent 30" 80% 16 to a friend a year or so ago for $400.00. "Friend" price.

I have paid as much as $800.00 for a very minty 12 gauge and sold it later for the same amount.

I would guess a very minty 16 would go for $600/800.00.

You rarely see a 16 with a cowboy. Rounds are expensive and the components to load them are also. Besides, a 30" is too awkward in cowboy and they won't buy them and cut them down.