Prof. Fuller Bullspit 45 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 Do folks still like the 16 gauge 1897? I don’t see many around. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OK Dirty Dan 54 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I have one I just recently bought but haven't got a chance to shoot it yet as I'm waiting on reloading components. Looking forward to though. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dogmeat Dad, SASS #48563L 386 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 A Florida shooter, Deadly Headlee used to favor the 16ga as I recall. Haven't seen him in a few years, hope he is doing OK. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hendo 872 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 @Yul Lose Care to field this one? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Abilene, SASS # 27489 1,256 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I think between Yul Lose and Newt Ritter, they have about half of the 16 ga. '97's out there. They make it easier to grab 4. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Hanger #3720LR 685 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 Brian, I believe Five Jacks shoots a 16ga 97. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 1,379 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 Sweet 16 ... But I use it in doubles both hammered and newfangled ... 97s don't much like em ... Jabez Cowboy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 607 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I like mine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 607 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 El Lazo as fast with his. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OK Dirty Dan 54 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 Since we're all here...any suggestions on shotshell recipes for 16ga in 1897s? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 1,379 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 3.4 CC of Goex 3F,,, 1oz of number 8 shot. Windjammer wad ..... Jabez Cowboy 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Yul Lose 6,419 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 21 minutes ago, OK Dirty Dan said: Since we're all here...any suggestions on shotshell recipes for 16ga in 1897s? 15 grains 700x Winchester or Remington wads and about 1oz shot. I cut my hulls (Federal or Herters) 3/16”” for easier feeding and ejection. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Prof. Fuller Bullspit 45 Posted December 11, 2020 Author Share Posted December 11, 2020 Local toy store got one in on trade. I don’t need it but remembered a few folks who favored them! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Prof. Fuller Bullspit 45 Posted December 11, 2020 Author Share Posted December 11, 2020 10 hours ago, Cliff Hanger #3720LR said: Brian, I believe Five Jacks shoots a 16ga 97. Good memories shooting with Five Jacks and the gang out at RR Bar! I miss the black powder shoots we did! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Newt Ritter 8 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 Abilene exaggerates a mite, I'm sure I don't own over 20% of all the '97 16's out there. I would tell you how many I do own, but my wife might read this thread so... Anyhow, I sure do love 'em, but you better be ready to load all of your ammo for them. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Happy Jack, SASS #20451 506 Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I have 2 of them. A shooter and a beautiful safe queen. Love them, but unfortunately not legal for wild Bunch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
"Big Boston" 38 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 I picked up one a few years back. It's in nice shape but I discovered it only has 2 9/16 chambers. I shied away from lengthening the chambers, and did buy a box of period ammunition so I could test fire it. I also discovered a few nice loads, but roll crimping was a pain. I bought a Russian roll crimper, and had issues with the brass rotating and not holding the hull, so I just abandoned the project, the shotgun is in the safe. Love the gauge, but it has it's challenges and nuances for sure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marauder SASS #13056 1,059 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Big Boston, ALL 97s have short chambers as they were maid from roll crimped cartridges. No stock 97 measure for modern 2 3/4 shells but they generally allow enough room to safely shoot modern shells with just a slight increase in pressure and felt recoil. I'm a little surprised to hear your was that short though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Abe E.S. Corpus SASS #87667 207 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 When I was a new shooter gathering gear I passed up a ‘97 in a local store because it was 16 gauge and at the time I was not set up to load shotshells. Ended up buying a 12 gauge ‘97 as my cowboy shotgun. Later on we started offering the occasional Wild Bunch match. This was before the Wild Bunch rules were changed to allow the Model 12. I felt I had made a good choice of shotgun since a ‘97 (original or replica) is the only shotgun legal for cowboy and Wild Bunch, if it is 12 gauge. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Creeker, SASS #43022 2,643 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 I own a 16ga 97 - but as I dont load sg shells; I have never used it for cowboy (would need a new belt and all that just to play). But as I currently pull 4 shells at a time for 12ga - one wonders if pulling 6 would be realistic using 16ga. Naw, since I already have 12, 12ga 97's (If I just count functioning ones or 15 if I include parts guns as well) - the last thing I need to do is embark on acquiring a bunch of 16ga. guns as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shooting Bull 1,960 Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 8 minutes ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said: Naw, since I already have 12, 12ga 97's (If I just count functioning ones or 15 if I include parts guns as well) - the last thing I need to do is embark on acquiring a bunch of 16ga. guns as well. Need? When on Earth has NEED ever been a factor in this decision??? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 607 Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 I have an immolested Sweet 16 in the safe. If I wasn't so partial to a hammered double, it might get more action. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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