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Winchester 1897

ChuckP
Hello, I am new to the forum and hope someone can help. I just picked up another model 97 take down and the top of the reciever on this one is matted. Haven't seen this. The slide is marked model 97 the serial # dates it 1940. From what i have read matted recievers where on trap models but the bolt is not marked trap thank's Gary
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  • ChuckP
    I have a winchester 97 serial#413201 with a two barrel set 32 inch full and a 26 inch improved cylinder...what would the value be?
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  • Bert H.
    The partial serial number indicates that it is a very early 1943 production gun.

    If you are taking it to your gunsmith, have him install the slide handle.
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  • ChuckP
    Thanks Bert and Barzilla. I believe I will take it to my gunsmith and let him put on the slide stock,and check it out. So DON'T clean up the "tarnish" huh? Like to get it looking a little better, but don't want to mess up its value. Maybe just polish it up good. I shot this thing some when I was a kid - as I remember it shoots great. Don't know that a "modern" 12 gauge pump would make a better home defense (or for if the "baloon goes up") gun. I don't plan to shoot it at this point until my gunsmith has checked it out. Hate to say how long it has been since I was a "kid."
    Appreciate the tips.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Chuck,

    You are quite welcome.

    Old Winchesters derive much of their collector appeal because they are old and look it. The only thing that should be done to your old Model 1897 is a very light cleaning (to remove old dried oil & crud)... do not "polish it", or anything that approximates that term.

    p.s. If you would like to know exactly how old it is, post (or send me) the serial number. I have the DOM information from the original factory records for all of the Model 1897s.
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  • He Dog
    Chuck despite what you see in magazines and on much of the net, there really is no danger to posting full serial numbers. Ask yourself what could He Dog do with that serial number if he had it, call the police and claim it was stolen? Call which police where? Still, if it is more comfortable e-mail it to Bert, and he can probably tell you which quarter of the year the gun was shipped.
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