Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 I don't see alot of decent 1897 Winchesters in shops hereabouts; I've never owned or shot one. Ran across one yesterday; the owner is holding it for a day while I ponder it. 1904 production. Clean, solid buttstock. Hairline crack (but tight) in forestock. Bright bore. No surface pits. Blue is 90% gone, but no rust. Cycles easily. Feels tight. Didn't measure the barrel, but I'd guess 28" or so. Looks like it has not been cut. No other signs of "modifications". Shop is asking $450. I can feel someone calling me when I pick this gun up...it fits so sweet. What else should I be looking at? Is the price fair? Much appreciated. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Buy it now. Six months from now you will have the shotgun, not regrets, and you won't miss the money. Duffield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted June 28, 2012 Author Share Posted June 28, 2012 Well, I bought it. Now to learn to use it. This should be fun... LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Very cool. "You can never own too many shotguns or fishing rods." --Norman Schwarzkopf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Duffield... Ya gotta admire the way the man thinks. And congratulations on your new toy, LL~! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curley Cole, SASS #56849 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 ya I got me one from hud a year or so back...paid $299 for it. Told me if it didn't work out I could sell it for a parts gun. I got me some dummy rounds and been practicin but still like my Liberty. but I do have an original 97 curley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jake1001 Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Is it a solid frame or a take-down? Can you put up some pics? Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugscuffle Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Another thing to look at is the extractors. Just open the action and stick your finger in the ejection port and feel them. See if they are sharp or worn. you might find this URL useful as well: http://www.vintagegunleather.com/gun-manuals/pdf_W/winchester_97takedown.pdf You can figure out the takedown procedure for the solid frame pretty easily by following these instructions. The only difference is that you don't remove the barrel from the receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 Is it a solid frame or a take-down? Can you put up some pics? Jake Solid frame, Jake...26" barrel; double checked the serial number - it's actually 1902 production. I'll give pics a shot. LL PS - Here's some pics: http://s1174.photobucket.com/albums/r620/Franco6666/Cowboy%20Iron/ LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jake1001 Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Solid frame, Jake...26" barrel; double checked the serial number - it's actually 1902 production. I'll give pics a shot. LL PS - Here's some pics: http://s1174.photobucket.com/albums/r620/Franco6666/Cowboy%20Iron/ LL That a good 'ol "C" model. If it's never been cut and has a 26 inch barrel, it should be a cyl bore. Mod has 28 inch and Full has 30 and 32 inch. I have 2 1897's made in 1904. One solid frame w/30 inch and a take-down with a 32 inch. 32's were special order from Winchester. My Win. '97 made in 1913 has a two barrel set. 26 inch cyl bore and a 30 inch full. Both serial numbered to the gun. 3 more made in 1923, 1924, 1925. Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Bullweed Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Loophole, you can find 1897's for less than $400 but not ones that look as nice as the one that you bought. Invest in a couple of ejectors (about $2 each), check the extractors and shoot the dickens out of it. I do not think that the Model 12 (870 or Ithaca 37 or BPS) were an improvement on JMB's 1897 desing and Winchester's workmanship. I have started collecting original Winchesters. My current 97 is a 1907 takedown with a 30" full barrel and a 22" 12/97 barrel. One of my goal guns is a Black Diamond version of the 1897, the premier offering in this model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klondike SASS Life #29713 Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 You do have to watch the forearm on the "C" models, they are notorious for splitting around an through the screw holes. Also Lock-Tite those three screws when you get a chance. I love the stock design on the early 97's, later ones just did not work right. You can take the barrell down to 22" or 20" it will not have any bearing on the value, you can even put choke tubes to increase accuarracy and that will add to the value. You did good getting the solid frame, good choice/. If you lived closer, I would do it all for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 You do have to watch the forearm on the "C" models, they are notorious for splitting around an through the screw holes. Also Lock-Tite those three screws when you get a chance. I love the stock design on the early 97's, later ones just did not work right. You can take the barrell down to 22" or 20" it will not have any bearing on the value, you can even put choke tubes to inctrease accuarracy and that will add to the value. You did good getting the solid frame, good chpoice/. If you livrd closer, I would do it all for you. Klondike...my best buddy lives in Metarie....maybe it's time for a trip South for some Jambalaya from Mother's and a Po-boy or two.... :rolleyes: LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant Smokepole #29248L Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 I'd say that it was a good price, IMHO.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klondike SASS Life #29713 Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Klondike...my best buddy lives in Metarie....maybe it's time for a trip South for some Jambalaya from Mother's and a Po-boy or two.... :rolleyes: LL LL, Mother's makes some of the best po-boy's around, their roast beef with extra gravy is nasty (sloppy, runs all the way to your elbows) but Great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted July 2, 2012 Share Posted July 2, 2012 Three screw forearms are the worst thing ever invented...Run it hard and you will have a problem. I'd get rid of the forearm asap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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