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Wjnchester 97...

Colt Super
I have always liked looking at the 97, but I have never fired nor owned one.

I found a well used, rebuilt 1904 today that had been used for cowboy action shooting, for $500.

What can you scattergun experts tell me about this type firearm.

I will probably buy it.

Thank you.

Doug
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    Hello Doug,

    The Model 1897 (97) is an amazing and very sturdy slide-action shotgun. It was the brain-child of John Moses Browning himself, and was an improved version of the his original Model 1893 (the M1893 was designed for black powder, whereas the Model 1897 was specifically made for smokeless powder). The Model 1897 made its debut in 1897 at circa serial number 34,000, and it remained in continuous production until 1957. All told, nearly 1-million of them were made.

    Winchester conducted a unique durability test that lasted more than 25-years. Shortly after the turn of the century, a random Model 1897 was plucked off of the assembly line, and sent to the ballistics test lab, where it was fired repeatedly for the next 25-years (more than 1 million shells were shot through it). During its long test run, the only part to fail was the firing pin (which was replaced twice).

    The Model 1897 was the first Winchester shotgun chambered for the 12 ga. 2-3/4" shell. Almost all other gun makers stuck with the shorter 2-5/8" shell for another 10 - 15 years before making the transition. Winchester also made the Model 1897 in 16 ga. (added to the production in late 1898). The 16 ga. guns were chambered for a 2-9/16" shell until 1931.

    The Model 1897 started out as a solid frame, but was very shortly offered as a Take Down. Both solid frame and Take Down frames were manufactured and offered into the early 1930s. The vast majority of 1897s made were Take Downs. There were a number of different variations made, with the Field grade guns being the most common. In addition to the Field grade, the Trap Gun, Tournament, Pigeon, Brush Gun, Riot Gun, and Trench Gun were made.

    As for the gun you are looking at, I feel that it is a bit over priced (due to it not being factory original). If you look around a bit, you can find a factory original (unmolested) gun for about the same money, and it would be the better deal.
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  • Colt Super
    I'll try to find out what she meant by "she went through it" and post pix and serial number tomorrow/

    Doug
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    here is one I bought at a local auction for $215 (about right for this grade of gun)
    1897.jpg
    turkey.jpg
    1933.jpg
    the 'neat' part is what I fould in the butt stock
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  • perry shooter
    Hey mike I am glad I scrolled down I thought you found the turkey in the Butt stock[:o)][:I][;)]
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  • GuvamintCheese
    Here's my old 1904 thumb smasher.

    IMG_4293.jpg
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  • Colt Super
    Thanks, Men.

    Doug
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by cartod
    Here's my old 1904 thumb smasher.

    IMG_4293.jpg



    Todd,

    Very Sweet![:p][:p]... If you ever decide that you don't have enough safe room for that old beater, please let me know[;)].
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    here is one I bought at a local auction for $215 (about right for this grade of gun)
    1897.jpg
    turkey.jpg
    1933.jpg
    the 'neat' part is what I fould in the butt stock


    Mike,

    Very very cool!! What a find that was[^]. Please send me the serial number on that old scattergun (I have the records to determine the DOM).
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    already sent, you indicated a mgf. date of 1913
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