Winchester model 97 12ga.
A local shop has come up with a model 97, about a 30 inch barrel, slick old shotgun. The owner says the serial number dates it to about 1909. Everything about it seems good. I was wondering if it is safe to shoot with regular loads. I know it isn't damascus, but how does an old action like that handle today's shells?
Pass on the tradition, teach a kid to shoot.
Pass on the tradition, teach a kid to shoot.
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I have another Winchester, from the same guy. I think it's a 1928 build. Any more info on condition, and possible value on this gun? I actually like this gun cause of it's age. I may see if I can buy this one off of him. Once again, thanks for the help. Oh yeah, Serial # is 8018XX 
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THEY WERE NOT SAFE WHEN THEY WERE NEW, SOMETIMES WITH A SUDDEN JAR THEY WOULD FIRE. HAVE A GUN SMITH REPAIR IT IF YOU BUY IT. 0 -
I'm surprised to hear that. I know Norinco is making a copy of the gun for Western shooters, I thought I'd heard of guys using authentic guns at SASS shows, I thought they were a little better than that. Oh well.
Pass on the tradition, teach a kid to shoot.0 -
Its pretty common round these parts for people to buy them, and have the barrels cut down for SASS shooting. We have a local gunsmith who specializes in cowboy era guns who has probably done a ton of them. If u email me, and give me some time, I'm sure I can scrounge up a phone number for ya.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0 -
Lead,Chuck is not pulling your leg. It was state of the art at the turn of the century,but has many,many moving parts.A little wear and slack in each one over the last 80 years adds up to a lot of slack.A good friend of mine is missing a big toe because of one(fired upon closing).My 2 cents worth,have a good day.Roger 0 -
These guns will fire upon closing if you hold the trigger down, its not because of worn parts, it was just a side effect of the design.
Poopah: Its not the guns fault your friend lost his toe, its his own fault. What your just said sounds exactly like alot of the anti gunners arguments for gun control.
It is an old gun, it wouldnt be a bad idea to have it checked out by a gunsmith. But to get back to your original question, yes it will handle moder loads. The 97 has always been my favorite shotgun for many reasons, however it may not be the best functionally.
Norinco is making a copy, It looks good but Ive read about jamming problems. also dont know if the slam-fire fuction is still in place.0 -
I own a '97 made in the 1920's. Mine is in excellent condition. I've done a lot of duck hunting with it and clay pidgeons (all in the days of lead). Any worn out machine is liable to malfunction. But Winchester made the '97 for decades and sold a bunch. Take it apart, check it out and shoot moderate loads - but not at your toes.
bobguz0 -
Thanks guys. I haven't bought the gun, but I'm always intriqued by anything that's old and still works well(Tina Turner!!!). Maybe I'll take the story about the toe into the shop and see if I can whittle his price down.
Pass on the tradition, teach a kid to shoot.0 -
Go ahead and try to whittle the price down, all he can do is say "no" probably won't even make it a "He.l No"
I've had and used an 1897 Winchester made in 1923 for the past 25 years. Never had a misfire or an accidental discharge. Winchester made over a million of them from 1898 to 1958.
A retired Gunnery Sgt turned me on to them with tales of Viet Nam. He carried a take down model '97 with the bbl cut down even with the magazine tube and the stock sawed off to just a pistol grip. Great close in VC Killer. In fact he traded me the one I have now for a Remington 870 when he found another '97 to replace this one.
Nil Illegitimus Carborundum0 -
i own a couple of these and have worked on lots more, good gun when maintained well.parts are getting expensive if you have to replace much. if you but it have a gunsmith inspect it (before you buy it if possible). 0
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