damascus bbl. win 1897

snocountry

March 11, 2003 03:52

I'd heard of 1897 winchester damascus barrels, but had never seen one til yesterday. how rare are these, are they safe to shoot with modern
shells. it's a 12ga, bright and shiny bore, lots of figure.

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  Iroquois Scout

  March 11, 2003 07:17

  I don't consider any damascus barreled gun safe to shoot as you don't know if the welds have started to deteriorate or if they have, how much. Now, haveing said this I do know people who do shoot them with light black powder loads. However, modern smokeless powder loads are a no no. Why take a chance when there are better shot guns around?

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  Sunray

  March 11, 2003 10:15

  Damascus barrels are not safe to shoot with modern ammo on any shotgun from any maker. And sooner or later, the Scout will be seeing his buddies in the hospital. Modern BP is different too.

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  Sunray

  March 11, 2003 10:15

  Damascus barrels are not safe to shoot with modern ammo on any shotgun from any maker. And sooner or later, the Scout will be seeing his buddies in the hospital. Modern BP is different too.

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  Ronald J. Snow

  March 11, 2003 10:30

  If you actually have a Winchester Model 1897 with a damascus barrel it would be quite rare and of collector value and interest.

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  hunter7737

  March 11, 2003 16:11

  Snocountry, the 1897 Winchester with the damascus barrel is very rare and would interest a serious collector if it is in excellant condition. The damascus barrel is not safe to shoot with modern ammunition, however if you have a take down model you can buy a newer barrel assembly and shoot it with no problem.

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  snocountry

  March 12, 2003 04:01

  more info on the winchester 1897 damascus bbl. shotgun. the owner
  stated he shot it routinely with hibase 3 3/4-1 1/4 shells. seems
  a "gun expert" told him winchester never made damascus bbl.shotguns and that pattern was put over a steel barrel???so it was safe to shoot
  with modern ammo.i looked the barrel over quite carefully and it seems no worse for wear. pretty grey colored pattern to the barrel and about 30-40% receiver blue/solid frame.

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  Xracer

  March 12, 2003 04:55

  According to the Blue Book: "The Model 1897 was the first Winchester shotgun chambered for 2 3/4 in. smokeless ammunition. This model was also manufactured with a damascus barrel for a short period of time, and is rare."
  
  I'd carefully pack that baby away.....and watch the $$$$ value rise.

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