Norinco 97 Shotgun?

[Grayfox]

I may have a chance to buy a Norinco 97 shotgun. Condition is LNIB. I haven't seen it in person, but I have seen pictures and it looks good.
What can you tell me about these? Quality? Value?
Asking price is $850. Whatcha think?

 

[Checkman]

I owned one of the Norinco 97 shotguns when they first came out back in 2001. It was fun and I probably put several hundred rounds through it. I never went above standard grade birdshot though. Wasn't sure how strong it was, and I was hesitant to run slugs and OO buck. It was during my Cowboy Action Shooting days. No I never competed, but that didn't stop me from acquiring many of the props. Eventually I moved on to more modern designs and sold off the single action revolvers, Marlins and the Norinco. I never had any issues with it. Oh, I did replace the Chinese wood furniture with aftermarket American made/grown wood furniture. The Chinese wood was rather soft/red stained, and I didn't care for it. But other than that, no issues. $850 seems a bit high though. However, I recently paid $900 for a LNIB 1970s West German Walther P1 (boy did I hear some smack talking about that) so what do I know?

 

[murphydog]

I believe these came in various models. It sounds about right for a NIB Trench Gun replica but probably high for any other variant.

 

[Checkman]

My version was the riot-gun configuration. Not as many extras

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

Way too much for the gun NIB notwithstanding.

You can get a clean original 97 for less than that.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

For awhile they were often seen at cowboy action shooting events. Today I don't know. I acquired a tricked out 97 Winchester so I never handled a Norinco. Gun Broker has two today, one at $400, one at $1000. You should check them out before you decide. And read reviews about the Norinco 97.

 

[old tanker]

I have one of the trench gun versions. Aside from the Chinese wood, it's not a bad copy of the Model 97. Shot it a bunch in IPSC side matches, mostly to annoy the serious three gun shooters. A dubious plus, like the original, is the ability to slam fire. It likewise shares the same foibles, be careful where your thumb lies when you cycle the action.

Serves the purpose of most replicas, something you can shoot a bunch without worrying you are wearing out a century old original.

 

[MG34/bar]

Bought several of those years ago when they were first imported. Kind of a ****-shoot, as some were fine while others were not. Still have the last one (a trench gun model) which still works well, but they were about $300 back then so my risk was low. $800 plus seems a bit high.

 

[Ameshawki]

That's about the going rate. If it's a private sale without tax or papers, borderline good deal, much as I hate say that about a Chinese shotgun.

 

[2152hq]

$850 will buy you a very nice condition Winchester mfg'r Model 97.

But I don't know if you are looking at the Trench Gun version Norinco made and comparison pricing w/other Norinco's of the same model, or the Riot version maybe.



Even a Winchester 'Riot' can be had for less than the $850 with a decent buy of an original Win Field grade and a little re-work to it.
No it won't be an original 'Riot Model',,but neither is the Norinco.
At least one made from a Winchester Field Grade is still a Winchester.

The real ones hold up pretty well. Lots of century old+ examples around still functioning just fine.

Yes they all 'slam fire'. Isn't that great.
For a cheaper thrill ride down that path, load up your Winchester Model 61 pump .22 rifle with a tube full of LongRifles or even .22Shorts for that matter.
They 'SlamFire' as well.
It's just a simple(r) trigger mechanism for a pump repeater. Some mfg'rs of the time chose not to go that direction w/their designs.

 

[zeke]

Am another that just had to try holding back the trigger and pumping.

 

[fordson]

Currently on GB, Winchester M1897 Trench Guns (with heat shield and bayonet lug) start at $1675 (there is one with a starting bid of $200, but has 13 days to go). I’ve also seen the Norinco 1897 Trench Gun go for $1000+. I currently own a Norinco Trench Gun that I like a lot. Have fired #7 shot to 00 Buck/Slugs without issue or problem. I take it to the range often, and at 10 yards, it’s quite fearsome . I’ve slicked it up some to smooth out feeding and added a Six round mag spring/follower to give me 7 rounds (with one in the chamber). For me, it’s strong and reliable to be my HD gun. For a LNIB/Never Fired, $850 I think is a fair price.

 

[alwslate]

I have a couple of nice original Winchester 12 ga model 97s that i bought several years ago for about $350 each. Prices are higher now I'm sure but $850 for a Chinese copy is way too much.

 

[diyj98]

I've owned a Norinco 97. They're not the highest quality piece by any means. As other have written, $850 will be a super nice Winchester 97, actually for a good bit cheaper.

 

[ACORN]

Look for a Winchester 97 that’s had the barrel already cut cut down. Many had 30” tubes and were cut to be handier in the field. Then cut it to your desired length. The collector value is gone at that point.
As others have said $850 seems high for a Chi-Com but then again I’m not up on the market.
I’ve owned 4 or 5 during the years but have none now.
You’ve revived the “itch”.

 

[Borderboss]

Just chiming in on the Winchester 97 alternative. The 97 was made up through 1955 or so, so it's possible to find some very nice condition guns that aren't as old as you think. Mine was made in 1955 and extremely tight. Unfortunately I killed the collector value by having the barrel cut down for Cowboy Action, but it serves me well.