M.E.Eldridge
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- Dec 11, 2005
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I was looking around at gun show once and saw a repro Trench gun. I wonder now who made it. Does anyone know of companies making a repro or wher I can get an original?
Winchester Trench Shotgun
- Thread starter M.E.Eldridge
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pauli
Member
the reproductions are norincos. i understand the current production ones to be fine shotguns, albeit rough; the issue for most, however, is political (and i'm sure someone will chime in about that shortly).
regular old original 1897's aren't terribly expensive -i've seen them around $400, i think. legit trench guns, however, are obscenely priced: more like $4k. and $4k buys a whole lot of ammo.
regular old original 1897's aren't terribly expensive -i've seen them around $400, i think. legit trench guns, however, are obscenely priced: more like $4k. and $4k buys a whole lot of ammo.
M.E.Eldridge
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- Joined
- Dec 11, 2005
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- 367
pauli said:
By any chance do you know where I could buy a Norinco or an original 1897? I don't care about owning a Commie gun, I've got one already.
pauli
Member
i'd head to the nearest gun show, myself.
alternatively, check the for sale section on a cowboy action forum.
alternatively, check the for sale section on a cowboy action forum.
Go to www.gunsamerica.com and search "1897 trench", I just did that and found a page full of them. They seem to be going up in cost like machine guns, and not being effected by any possible ending of bans, the 4 or 5 grand it would cost to get one might be a good investment.
I have a tactical SG collection, got just about everything since 1887, I agree the prices for legit trench guns is out of sight, but I guess it is supply and demand.
What I really want to say is LOOK OUT FOR FAKES. A large number of the "trench guns" I have seen at gun shows and on the net, were simply Winchester 97s and 12s either cut down, or were simple riot guns gussied up to look like trench guns.
If you want a real trench gun, be prepared to be robbed, or get the reproduction. When I want to shoot I use the Norinco, they work well after they are worn in. I do wonder about parts down the line, but I have the same problem with the real guns.
We are fortunate that a large number of real trench guns never made it to the fronts in either WW, but were issued stateside for guard duty at plants or POW camps, and received very light use. Also many guns that did get to the fronts were arsenal rebuilds after the wars, and many of them were issued to National Guard units, or simply sat in racks at active MP units. This resulted in a lot of guns with outside wear, but internal workings that were near perfect. Obviously the market has gone nutz for them, hence the prices. Too bad because I find them to be really neat, and fortunately I started buying them before prices skyrocketed. I recently found a M97 which was one # off of one I have, I bought mine in 73 for $20, the guy wanted $4,000 for this one which was in worse shape than the one I already have! Made a BIG mistake, proudly told spouse about what a good investment I had made, got gleam in her eye, undoubdtedly has 4 grand already spent. Changed combo on all safes(just kidding-almost).
What I really want to say is LOOK OUT FOR FAKES. A large number of the "trench guns" I have seen at gun shows and on the net, were simply Winchester 97s and 12s either cut down, or were simple riot guns gussied up to look like trench guns.
If you want a real trench gun, be prepared to be robbed, or get the reproduction. When I want to shoot I use the Norinco, they work well after they are worn in. I do wonder about parts down the line, but I have the same problem with the real guns.
We are fortunate that a large number of real trench guns never made it to the fronts in either WW, but were issued stateside for guard duty at plants or POW camps, and received very light use. Also many guns that did get to the fronts were arsenal rebuilds after the wars, and many of them were issued to National Guard units, or simply sat in racks at active MP units. This resulted in a lot of guns with outside wear, but internal workings that were near perfect. Obviously the market has gone nutz for them, hence the prices. Too bad because I find them to be really neat, and fortunately I started buying them before prices skyrocketed. I recently found a M97 which was one # off of one I have, I bought mine in 73 for $20, the guy wanted $4,000 for this one which was in worse shape than the one I already have! Made a BIG mistake, proudly told spouse about what a good investment I had made, got gleam in her eye, undoubdtedly has 4 grand already spent. Changed combo on all safes(just kidding-almost).
-C4-
Member
You could get a "Tactical" 1897.
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carebear
Member
Nice post on Christmas. 
That thing's enough to make B J cry.
That thing's enough to make B J cry.
-C4-
Member
carebear said:Nice post on Christmas.
That thing's enough to make B J cry.
Yeah.
. I didn't do it, I just own it.-C4-
carebear
Member
I am both jealous and sympathetic at once, for different reasons.
MCgunner
Member
I'd think these things would be popular since they're the only pump shotgun legal for the cowboy shooting thing.
If you wanna be a real cowboy, though, use a parker or LC Smith side x side hammer gun.
If you wanna be a real cowboy, though, use a parker or LC Smith side x side hammer gun.
pauli
Member
don't forget the 1893.
That's just wrong.
-C4-
Member
1911JMB said:
Hell No!.... and yeah... works really well.
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Member
Dr.Rob said:
Just remember... I DIDN'T DO IT.... :banghead:
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