Marines use of Winchester 97s in the Pacific?

[AJ]

I own one in 12 Ga.,standard length barrel. I found an after market barrel and cut it down to 18". I need to sell the set soon. Its very tight. I wish I had the vented top guard that came on the combat model.

Go here to sell: https://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/ Not supposed to be fishing here.

 

[Glenn R. McMannly]

Just listened to a WW2 Marine veteran interview. His Lt used a 97 on Saipan to kill two nips who emerged from concealed foxholes during a close range engagement.

 

[Greyman50]

There are many excellent books on WWII USMC actions in the Pacific with pics of Marines carrying assort shotguns. The above mentions references to some of these books are spot on. Most of my books are packed up.

 

[jimmyj]

When I began my LEO career in 1962 every patrol vehicle had a Model 97 in the gun lock.

 

[sceva]

The 97 was a darned good shotgun. There is a reason it was made right up thru 1957.

 

[DWalt]

The first time I disassembled a Model 97, I had to look up how it was done. After that, no problem.

 

[charlie sherrill]

In addition to "US Infantry Weapons of WWII", Canfield also did "U.S. Combat Shotguns" and "Complete Guide to Military Shotguns". I've seen neither of these books but wouldn't hesitiate to buy them if I had an interest in such material. That decision is based solely on the quality of work I've seen in a couple of other Canfield books I purchased some years ago. I'd check Amazon among other sources. May not be cheap, but they will have good information, probably better than you'll find anywhere else.

I bought those books at the last November Tulsa Show. I think they were available at two different tables. I have most, and maybe all of Canfield's books.

 

[RebCop]

About reliability , The paper shells originally used would swell and refuse to chamber in the humid environment. This was cured by buying brass cased ammo.

 

[joseywales44]

That Stevens 520 has John Browning written all over it!!!

 

[AJ]

I bought those books at the last November Tulsa Show. I think they were available at two different tables. I have most, and maybe all of Canfield's books.

Look at Page 155 of the Combat Shotguns book by Canfield. That is my Father-In-Law holding the M1897.

 

[margethatcher]

I believe Ackley stated that the receiver withstood the pressure generated by a 30-06 round in testing.

 

[Drm50]

I've had quite a few 97s. You won't believe how many trench guns were stripped down and made into slug guns. That trench gun stuff was just extra weight and brush catchers. I put rifle sight on several and drilled one for scope. I never got to shoot the scoped one but the ones I put rifle sights on shot like champs. Only one was a factory riot model the others were all full choke that I cut. Everyone wanted 18", I always cut 18.5",
the devils share to avoid any close call arguments. I still have one that I rescued from a Bubba DIY poly choke job. I saved just under 24" and had the sights off a Model 70 in 375H&H. Idea slug sights for taking deer on the wing in thick cover. The gun was in near mint condition. I decided to have
my gunsmith do the silver solder. Afraid I would screw up the blue. Anyway
this was back when screw ins were just becoming popular. GS talked me out of making it into a slug gun and made me a deal on screw in choke job.
He had just got tooling. Anyway that's how I ended up with short 97 with screw in chokes. I wish I had left wood alone but was hell on Birchwood back then.
Winchester 1897s used aren't really for those who don't know anything about them. The first thing to do is put it on half cock and fool with trigger
if hammer wobbles you got problems, worn parts. Second give away is loose barrel on TD models. I knew a guy that had field champion beagles that wouldn't let anyone who hunted with him to use 1897s because of
close calls with accidental discharges. Personally I think most were from fat fingers.