Spike12

since there's no forum for non-Ruger shotguns I hope I can post here and take advantage of this forum's knowledge base...

I have access to two Winchester 1897 shotguns and I debating on which or both to get...

#1: 4 digit SN, mfg date 1898. 12 ga. Seems good and solid. Crack in foregrip. Finish is in the white. Not a piece of art but a good solid example. Clean and w/o big rust problems

#2: E model, mfg date 1941. 16ga *takedown* that seems as tight as the day it was made. Pretty good condition overall. Perhaps cleaner than #1 and no big rust problems.

Are 97's special or just a run of the mill old shotguns?

BlueOvalFitter

I don't think they like to talk about other brands here.I asked a question about a S&W .40 cal and it got zero responses.

terry_p

A hammer shgotgun that was designed by John Browning and were manufactured from 1897-1957 and there were over one million made. With the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting there has been a renewed interest in them and the price has escalated as a result. I don't own one but I suspect like any firearm manufactured during that period they are well made.

Blue Oval Fitter:

It is likely that no one reading your post had experience with a S&W 40 so you didn't get a response.

jelo45110

The very limited experience I have with the winchester 97 shotgun is that they are extremely well made and reliable guns. I would like to have one, but as terry_p mentioned the popularity of cowboy action shooting has really driven the price of these old shotguns way up. Anyone who is shooting cowboy action that does not have one now is looking hard for one. I have not gotten hooked on cowboy action shooting yet so I am not willing to pay the premium price for them no matter how good they are.

long shot

These are good,solid guns...however.They have a nasty habit of cutting your hand as the breech bolt comes back.You have to learn to keep your hand clear of the breech bolt as you work the action.They can be very dangerous if the action is badly worn.The breech bolt cocks the exposed hammer as it travels rearward.If the bolt/or rails it travels on are worn enough,the hammer wont stand cocked,and you will get a very loud and unexpected bang when you close the action.If you are not really familiar with these,I would have a competent smith check them out before purchase.Be safe.

Spike12

Thanks guys and I'm sorry for breaking protocol but the wealth of knowledge here and the quality of the members can't be ignored.

Spike12

terry_p

No break in protocol. If it isn't there improvise.

Rugerismisticness

What is the main purpose your looking for? Collectability, hunting or clays?

Spike12

Well, the person who has them wants to sell them, prob the 12g first. SO I'm trying to judge their significance and value. I've been thinking about have both myself because I think they're pretty cool. But I'm not a shotgun guy so I'm in the dark.

Meacham Bearcat

I'd advise you to check what they are going for on gunbroker just for a ruff guess at value.
Also Beware they have NO trigger disconnect, and will fire when closed if it's held down.

Spike12

I've been checking GunBroker and they seem to be pretty rare. Often there isn't any listed.
I know about the trigger disconnect, that's why they were so popular in the trenches and one of the reasons I think they're pretty neat/unusual.

SouthGA

I have a 1897 solid body with a born date of 1901-1902 in reasonably good cosmetic condition and excellent mechanical condition.

Bought this in 2011, and it has been tuned for the cowboy action shooting scene.


In SouthGA/Florida the going rate for one of these tuned and ready is $600 for the solid body and $500 for the break down model.

The solid body being the more desireable.

kiwihunter

There very collectible over here in NZ to ........a mate of mine just scooped a really mint one thats been part of a collection for years.
If the moneys right you cant go wrong you will resell them easy enough if you change your mind i personally would go for #2 on your list make sure theres no hammer problems as the CAS shooters will all want a well working example the 1898 sounds nice but if it aint working its a collectible wall hanger and that's all plus how bad is that stock cracked?....good luck with your deal.
KIWI

RNorris

I would snap that 16 gauge up....just me, I love a 16

lafflin rand

If you cannot find a decent model 97 there are several chinese versions around that wre decent and you do not risk ruining a non replaceable gun. Ps the slam fire on an old 97 is also a concern on older Ithaca 37s and afew other older shotguns. Check this out from the nra website or from a knowlegeable shooter.