'97 Winchester
Found a '97 12 ga for sale for $600, about 95%, excellent, late production. Request opinions and/or other info. Thanks
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I will assume by late production, you mean post WWII, serial number above 912xxx, maybe with a flat bottom forearm? If the barrel hasn't been cut for a cowboy gun, and the butt stock hasn't been cut, no rust or pits, inside or out that's a fair price. If you have cash you probably can get it a little cheaper, maybe $525-575. Even post war guns in this shape are getting hard to find in some areas. I deal in only pre 64 Winchester shotguns, been following the auctions for about 3 years, have about 20 dealer web sites I check too! If this gun is anything other than the plain barrel field gun, with a 30 in. full choke, it is definately worth the money. 97's with a mod. or imp cyl choke with a 28 in or 26 in barrel are rarer! They did make these in a Trap version, and Pidgeon, but that stopped prior to WWII. The only other option would be a solid rib, if it has one jump on this gun! Regards Dave 0 -
Over the past couple yearss, I have sold 5 or more 1897's and 97's. Emaculate may bring this, but the investment is on the high side. If you need to fill your collection it could be worth it, but from my opinion; It is a little much. $350 with the Butt Plate replaced with Kick Pad (very Good Condition), $400.00 Reworked but excellent Mechanics. $500.00 Pristine. Consider: This is Kentucky and there are still a few of these around. [;)]
Ronnie G. Perkins0 -
As I recall s/n was in the 1.3 million. Owner says it was new in the 1950s. Completely original, no modifications, don't recall bbl length or choke but can find out. Looks hardly used other than handling. 0 -
The 1897/97 was in production from 97 to 1957, that was the last year it was in their catelog. 1958 they did some parts clean up, and according to my reference books, serial numbers stopped at 1024700. If the serial number is within 100 of the final, it would be definately one of the last ones made, might be worth a little more to someone, especially if its that serial number. If the stocks are mint and have some figure as opposed to just straight grain walnut, that would be a plus. I've only seen 1, 97 for sale in the last three years that was new in the box, it was from 1916 and the guy was asking $1400. for it! I've seen guys pay $500 and up for a gun that I would consider junk. If you are looking for an investment/collector gun, if it's truely 95%, the asking price is not out of line from what I've seen. But asking price and selling price is two different things. If you are thinking about buying it to make a cowboy gun out of it, you are wasting your money. Again, it's hard to put an exact price on something, that you can't see! If you email me I can give you a couple of web sites of dealers that have some in that price range and up. The nice thing about the web, it reaches everywhere, so areas where people will pay more and areas where they wont pay as much! When dealing with used guns, "cash talks, bull **** walks" I definately wouldn't offer him $600 out of the gate, it's worth haggeling for. Regards Dave 0 -
Thanks all -- especially Only Win. This gun is far from NIB, has blue wear on the high ridges etc but a lot less than usual on the 'rub' parts which seems to say not pumped a lot. Wood is plain but didn't notice any defects. Will look at it agn tomorrow and confirm s/n. My gun-choosing criteria are condition, do I like it, price right and increase in value over time. This one seems to fit all four and I may be able to beat down the price a little. Will report whatever. Thanks agn. 0 -
Looked at it agn and s/n is 10003xx, owner thinks 1955 date, finish maybe close to 100% except where the pump action parts rub. Bore perfect. Stock has been varnished but no sign of sanding attempt. Bbl is full choke 28 to 30". 0 -
It is a 55 based on serial number. If you really want it, make him an offer! Like I said haggle a little. If there is sales tax, transfer fees take that into account. Regards Dave 0 -
I bought it for $450. Got it home and cleaned it up. Looking better all the time. Thanks everyone for your help and interest. 0
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