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  #1  
Old 11-29-2017, 06:45 PM
Flattop5 Flattop5 is offline
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Default Winchester Model 1897 Pump Shotgun

I just bought my first one. Made in 1945. Takedown model. No pictures yet (it's still on layaway). Condition: probably 7 1/2 on a 1-to-10 scale. Looks decent. Feels decent. No rust in the bore. Action seems normal to me. Has various scratches/scrapes. Wood is pretty good. Paid just over $500 for it.

Question: is there anything that I should look for when taking possession of it? Any danger areas?

Thanks in advance.


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Old 11-29-2017, 07:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flattop5 View Post

Question: is there anything that I should look for when taking possession of it? Any danger areas?

Thanks in advance.


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Old 11-29-2017, 08:04 PM
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First thing to check is the serial number on the frame and the serial number on the frame extension (that portion that separates upon disassembly retaining the barrel and magazine). If mismatched this indicates a cobbled together gun made from mismatched parts.

Next, the gun must be tight and solid when assembled. Any wobble in the action can indicate serious wear, possibly making the gun unsafe to use. I have seen several that rattled like a bucket of nickels in a box car, no conception of solid assembly or lock-up, and I would not fire such a piece.

Love the old Winchesters, but there are more than a few older 97's that scare me to think about.
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Old 11-29-2017, 08:32 PM
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Known as the "Thumb Buster" for a reason, a good shot gun had a sawed off one in my patrol car until I came across a sawed of Mod 12, but kept the Mod 97.
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Old 11-29-2017, 08:46 PM
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Mod 97's were known for having light sears, be very careful until you find out just what kind of a trigger it has. I understand they do not have a disconnecter, so you can hold the trigger down and every time you pump it it will fire. Not necessarily a good thing.
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Old 11-29-2017, 08:53 PM
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Post up a pic when you can!
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Old 11-29-2017, 09:24 PM
Flattop5 Flattop5 is offline
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Post up a pic when you can!
Will do.



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Old 11-29-2017, 09:25 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
First thing to check is the serial number on the frame and the serial number on the frame extension (that portion that separates upon disassembly retaining the barrel and magazine). If mismatched this indicates a cobbled together gun made from mismatched parts.

Next, the gun must be tight and solid when assembled. Any wobble in the action can indicate serious wear, possibly making the gun unsafe to use. I have seen several that rattled like a bucket of nickels in a box car, no conception of solid assembly or lock-up, and I would not fire such a piece.

Love the old Winchesters, but there are more than a few older 97's that scare me to think about.
Take down mdl 12's & mdl 97's have an ajustment feature on the rear of the barrel sleeve to take up an wear/slop in the barrel assembly to the frame. Easy to tighten one up.
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Old 11-29-2017, 09:28 PM
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How long is the barrel?

Quote:
Any danger areas?
Be careful of the muzzle.
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Old 11-29-2017, 09:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
First thing to check is the serial number on the frame and the serial number on the frame extension (that portion that separates upon disassembly retaining the barrel and magazine). If mismatched this indicates a cobbled together gun made from mismatched parts.

Next, the gun must be tight and solid when assembled. Any wobble in the action can indicate serious wear, possibly making the gun unsafe to use. I have seen several that rattled like a bucket of nickels in a box car, no conception of solid assembly or lock-up, and I would not fire such a piece.

Love the old Winchesters, but there are more than a few older 97's that scare me to think about.

Both serial numbers match (receiver and barrel/magazine assembly numbers).

I did notice that the barrel has been cut down from a long one (it says "Full" choke on the barrel, yet the barrel is only about 19" long).


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Old 11-30-2017, 06:19 AM
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Another GREAT shotgun! I've seen more than a few in SASS matches. While a bit antiquated, it still makes a descent HD gun if the barrel was shortened. Pheasants, Quail and Grouse will not laugh at it either
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Old 11-30-2017, 07:25 AM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
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I own five 12 gauge pump Shotguns! When I had to talk people into leaving my property, my 18" 97 was the gun to take along! It says so much, just by being there! My 20" 870 is actually a better gun but comparatively, the 870 is much too civilized!

My 97 from 1904 is mismatched halves, My 1954 is like new! On my guns, they feed AA brand and Federal paper shells well. They don't run well at all with any all brass cases! There are numerous take-down and repair instructions & videos on the internet, parts are starting to get expensive.

In J.B.Woods books on gunsmithing, he says the sear is often worn, causing the hammer to either to fall or just not stay cocked. This seldom needs new parts, just a new sear cut (By someone who knows what they are doing!). My 1904 gun has a great deal of use and abuse! The action is no longer "slick" under normal lubricating conditions. When I am finished with a Cowboy match, I disassemble the entire action, and thoroughly clean it. I spray a dry silicone lube (Elmer's Dry Lube) on only one surface where parts contact! While old and worn, the tolerances are too tight to allow both surfaces the have a layer of silicone!

With 2 2/3" shells, the take down was made to hold 5 +1. There is a vender in Arizonian that sells kits for 6 + 1. They include a new follower and a new Magazine spring. The kits for take down are different than ridged guns. The Vender is:

Wild Bodie Tom
PO Box 1178
Mayer, AZ. 86333
(602)-721-3175

I bought mine from Dillon (800)-223-4570, their part # is 11645 *06-0491* (for the take down model)

I don't remember the Kit price, but it was less expensive than the mag spring from a Winchester Parts Dealer alone! About 10 to 20 minutes to install. (Less if you are doing a detail cleaning at the same time!)

One other common problem is, the screw for the ejector is mounted on the exterior of the left side. When they work loose, they are gone before you realize it! They are ridiculous in price with shipping and handling, so if (more like when) you need one buy 2! (in 2009 they were $7.70 each W/S&H!)

In a season of Cowboy action shooting, I would shoot about 300 rounds in the competitions (I don't compete much), and about 1000 to 1200 in practice. That is dozens of times what a hunter would shoot in a year! The gun with hold up to multiple centuries of use with good basic cleaning and maintenance. I don't think the 870 Remington or Mossberg 500 will be able to say the same!

Ivan
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Old 11-30-2017, 11:21 AM
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Default 97' Pump

It did not happen if there are no pictures

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Old 11-30-2017, 12:29 PM
forrestinmathews forrestinmathews is offline
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Mine shoots AA lites because she's a distinguished lady. She came to me 22" and now resides 18+" with a slightly shorter stock. She doesn't say much, but I sure do love that gun. Before I got my Shockwave she would ride around in the car with me. Now it's easier to lose and beat up a newer version.
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Old 11-30-2017, 12:57 PM
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I also just picked one up that was built in 1928! Mines kinda rough cosmetically, but is in mechanically great shape. I just replaced the petrified rubber pad with a plastic butt plate and I am waiting on a buddy to cut it down to 18.5in for me.

I have a fondness for old shotguns, especially short takedown versions.
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Old 11-30-2017, 01:18 PM
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In the back of my closet is a Model 97. appears un-fired. IIFC (?) 20" barrel
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Old 11-30-2017, 09:40 PM
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This is what they look like as a solid frame factory riot gun

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Old 12-01-2017, 10:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H Richard View Post
I understand they do not have a disconnecter, so you can hold the trigger down and every time you pump it it will fire. Not necessarily a good thing.
I tried this once with my Model 12, it's not a good thing for your shoulder.
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Old 12-01-2017, 11:28 AM
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They are great guns! I've had a few but, you know. I like the clackity clack sound and parts poking out in different directions when you jack the action. They remind me of "The Wild Bunch"
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Old 12-01-2017, 02:21 PM
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This one dates to 1906. Cost me $185.00 a few weeks ago.
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Old 12-01-2017, 02:29 PM
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It looks like this now.
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