Model 97 Winchester 16 gauge
I inherited this shotgun from my grandfather, and need to know if it is safe to fire, serial number on the gun is 893267
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Welcome to the forums.
Unless there is damage or obvious issues with being worn out, there's no reason you should not enjoy shooting your grandfather's Winchester.
Inspect the outside of the barrel for bulges and look down the inside for corrosion. Check that the action works smoothly and that it locks up tight when closed. If all of this looks good, you should have no problem shooting it, but if there are still doubts, have a qualified gun smith inspect it for you.0 -
That's a late one - most likely 1930's to 40's it's probably fine and definetely 2 3/4 " chamber. 16 guage is uncommon in 97's so if in good, original condition it's a 30 -50% premium over the 12. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Jim Hutton
I inherited this shotgun from my grandfather, and need to know if it is safe to fire, serial number on the gun is 893267
Hello Jim,
Your old Model 97 was manufactured in 1937, and it is a 2-3/4" chambered gun (Winchester made the change from 2-9/16" to 2-3/4" in 1931). As the other fellows have mentioned, as long as the gun is in good mechanical condition, it should be safe to shoot. Having said that, if you have any doubts, seek the opinion of your local 'smith. Of additional importance, do not shoot steel shot loaded shells in it. Stick to lead shot, or lead shot substitutes (Bismuth, Hevi-shot, etc.)
I am conducting a research survey of the Model 1897(97), and as such, I would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me;
(1) Barrel length (most likely 28")?
(2) Choke marking (e.g. FULL, MOD, or CYL)?0 -
quote:Originally posted by Barzillia
If I recall correctly, only about 10% of the Model 97's were in 16 gauge, and they are more desirable to many.
Thus far, my survey shows 11.35% of them are 16-gauge (of the (767) I have surveyed thus far)0 -
quote:Originally posted by Bert H. Originally posted by Barzillia
Thus far, my survey shows 11.35% of them are 16-gauge (of the (767) I have surveyed thus far)Bert, if you don't already have it in your survey; I owned serial number 832374, a 12 gauge 30 inch barrel full choke Model 97 back in 1979. The gun was near new and might have been unfired at the time.0 -
Bert it is indeed a 28" barrel with a choke marking of MOD, the half cock safety does work, I have a box of lead shot, but think I will take it to my local gun smith for a good going over, thanks for the help!
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
quote:Originally posted by Jim Hutton
I inherited this shotgun from my grandfather, and need to know if it is safe to fire, serial number on the gun is 893267
Hello Jim,
Your old Model 97 was manufactured in 1937, and it is a 2-3/4" chambered gun (Winchester made the change from 2-9/16" to 2-3/4" in 1931). As the other fellows have mentioned, as long as the gun is in good mechanical condition, it should be safe to shoot. Having said that, if you have any doubts, seek the opinion of your local 'smith. Of additional importance, do not shoot steel shot loaded shells in it. Stick to lead shot, or lead shot substitutes (Bismuth, Hevi-shot, etc.)
I am conducting a research survey of the Model 1897(97), and as such, I would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me;
(1) Barrel length (most likely 28")?
(2) Choke marking (e.g. FULL, MOD, or CYL)?0 -
quote:Originally posted by Jim Hutton
Bert it is indeed a 28" barrel with a choke marking of MOD, the half cock safety does work, I have a box of lead shot, but think I will take it to my local gun smith for a good going over, thanks for the help!
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
quote:Originally posted by Jim Hutton
I inherited this shotgun from my grandfather, and need to know if it is safe to fire, serial number on the gun is 893267
Hello Jim,
Your old Model 97 was manufactured in 1937, and it is a 2-3/4" chambered gun (Winchester made the change from 2-9/16" to 2-3/4" in 1931). As the other fellows have mentioned, as long as the gun is in good mechanical condition, it should be safe to shoot. Having said that, if you have any doubts, seek the opinion of your local 'smith. Of additional importance, do not shoot steel shot loaded shells in it. Stick to lead shot, or lead shot substitutes (Bismuth, Hevi-shot, etc.)
I am conducting a research survey of the Model 1897(97), and as such, I would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me;
(1) Barrel length (most likely 28")?
(2) Choke marking (e.g. FULL, MOD, or CYL)?
You are quite welcome Jim[:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by Old-Colts
Bert, if you don't already have it in your survey; I owned serial number 832374, a 12 gauge 30 inch barrel full choke Model 97 back in 1979. The gun was near new and might have been unfired at the time.
It was born in 1928... and thanks for the information[:)]0 -
To Jim Hutton. Do you plan on selling the gun? I'm interested in good condition Winchesters made in 1937. If you list it on GB, please send me a heads up @ jthomas982prodigy.net Many thanks Jim Thomas 0
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