1897 Shotguns info?

[Dusty Chaps, SASS #5925]

Discussion on original Win 1897's:  Given similar ages and condition, is there a preference for CAS between a takedown and a solid frame?

Any difference in reliability or value?

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

When talking specifically about original Winchesters, I'd say there is a preference for takedown, simply because back in the day, Winchester made far more takedown 97s than they did solid frames.    

To this day, I have seen only 1 original Winchester 97 solid frame, and it was a Trench Gun.   Granted, I am not a huge sample, but that's what I have seen.   Interestingly all of the reproductions are solid frames.   Go figure.

Me, I have 3 originals, all are take downs.   I also have a reproduction Trench Gun, a 9397 and a real 93.   They are all solid frame.   When all is said and done, I prefer the takedown; it's easier to clean.

["Big Boston"]

1 hour ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

When talking specifically about original Winchesters, I'd say there is a preference for takedown, simply because back in the day, Winchester made far more takedown 97s than they did solid frames.   

 

That is my take on that as well. During that era takedown firearms were common. When winchester introduced the Model 12, it was takedown only. Takedown shotguns are the norm today. I have two solid fram '97s, but both are clones. IMO a solid fram 1897 would be a bit more reliable in the long run. It has fewer parts. I was born in the era of the Remington 870. A pump shotgun that takes down is pretty normal to me. 

 

BB

[Outlaw Gambler]

Solid frame models do not have a $150 - $200 take down extension or a $75 - $125 adjusting sleeve. Special tools/jigs and knowledgeable gun smith $100 - $150 are required to remove, install/fit the replacement. Threaded mag tubes can sometimes be a pain to keep functioning easily. If you take it apart for cleaning and remove the mag tube from the barrel and the pin and screws from the mag plug, about 25%-50% of owners will not be able to put it back together again. I know this because I get the phone call for help. Knowledgeable 1897 gunsmiths are few and far apart, so add $100 - $150 round trip shipping to one. 

Having said the above, you may never have to replace any of the above items on a takedown but for sure you never will on a solid frame. I have worked on hundreds of both models and the solid frame is the simplest. But they are older than takedown models due to Winchester scaling back the solid frame production. Guess what. For 25 years my wife and I have shot our own take down models. 

Oh, don't forget the solid frame is about 10 ounces lighter.

[watab kid]

both of mine were takedowns - pre WWI , i still have one 11 , my friend has the other 13 , i prefer the takedowns for cleaning as well ,