Go West Posted February 8 Posted February 8 I have an 1897 with the frame indicating 1899 build that has a horrible bore. I'm reluctant to shoot it because of the barrel. Would it make sense to rebarrel or sell it for parts? Quote
Nostrum Damus SASS #110702 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Your question raises a bunch of questions. An original take-down or solid-frame barrel will cost you $200-$300 after sales tax and shipping, if you can find one. And if you are going to use it for Cowboy Action Shooting, will you cut down the barrel to a short-but-legal length? And if the barrel is awful, there's a good chance the action internals aren't great, either. Have you shot it at all? Do you know that it at least functions properly? Do you have the gunsmithing tools required to dismount the barrel on yours, cut down and re-crown and mount the replacement yourself, including adding back the front bead sight (if you think you need it)? You can buy an entire 97 in pretty good shape for around $500-$600, sometimes less if you have time and patience, if you're willing to search the auctions and take a chance. If it was mine, I'd sell it for parts. People are always looking for original buttstocks that aren't cracked, clean magazine tubes, etc. Quote
Go West Posted February 8 Author Posted February 8 I've shot it and it runs smooth. I'm not a gunsmith, but know a few. 1 Quote
Yellowstone Vic SASS#32968 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 (edited) 2 hours ago, Go West said: I have an 1897 with the frame indicating 1899 build that has a horrible bore. I'm reluctant to shoot it because of the barrel. Would it make sense to rebarrel or sell it for parts? GW Might be worth your time to contact Joe at https://classicoldwestarms.com. Deep well of knowledge on 97s and part’s availability. I know you have great local resources also, but have gotten several items from COWA and he is good guy. Vic Edited February 8 by Yellowstone Vic SASS#32968 4 Quote
Boggus Deal #64218 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Could the barrel be backbored and polished? Quote
Sedalia Dave Posted February 8 Posted February 8 5 hours ago, Go West said: I have an 1897 with the frame indicating 1899 build that has a horrible bore. I'm reluctant to shoot it because of the barrel. Would it make sense to rebarrel or sell it for parts? Solid frame or takedown? Quote
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 `Pictures would be nice. You said it shoots and functions well. If that's the case, leave it alone and use it as is. UNLESS the barrel is at the point where it's gonna break or fall off or something. In that case, I'd look into tying to find a replacement barrel. Quote
MBFields Posted February 9 Posted February 9 (edited) Squibber is in Maricopa. Alot closer than Wisconsin. He's very good.Old West Gun Repair. Edited February 9 by MBFields Quote
Rip Snorter Posted February 9 Posted February 9 I suspect there are still barrels around, I used to see plenty, and finding one (patience required) you can probably get something for yours.A lot of competitors shoot very soft loads. Quote
Cholla Posted February 9 Posted February 9 In reality, I can't see it being much worse than some of the Chinese-made shotguns I have seen. I scrubbed and scrubbed on one, trying to get the clumps of dried grease out, only to find it wasn't dried grease; the bore was that rough. 1 Quote
Go West Posted February 9 Author Posted February 9 It's a solid frame gun. The barrel is very rough, but maybe I'm just over thinking it. If I found a barrel for $100 or so, I'd be tempted to replace it. Thanks for all of your replies. Quote
Boggus Deal #64218 Posted February 9 Posted February 9 2 hours ago, Go West said: It's a solid frame gun. The barrel is very rough, but maybe I'm just over thinking it. If I found a barrel for $100 or so, I'd be tempted to replace it. Thanks for all of your replies. Let me look tonight. I may have a usable barrel. 2 Quote
Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator Posted February 9 Posted February 9 You might also see Brisco Kid wondering around EOT so you could check to see if he has any barrels. At least some advice. He and Martha will not be shooting but they are out enjoying the area so suspect them to drop by. 1 Quote
Boggus Deal #64218 Posted February 10 Posted February 10 14 hours ago, Go West said: It's a solid frame gun. The barrel is very rough, but maybe I'm just over thinking it. If I found a barrel for $100 or so, I'd be tempted to replace it. Thanks for all of your replies. PM sent! Quote
Rip Snorter Posted February 10 Posted February 10 Hoping for a good outcome! Very fond of original Win '97s. Quote
Go West Posted February 10 Author Posted February 10 I'm gonna buy a barrel from BD. Thanks again for all of your replies. 5 Quote
"Big Boston" Posted February 20 Posted February 20 I've "polished" out some pretty awful barrels. Wrap some emery on a brass bore brush, on a cleaning rod, go at it with a drill. You only take out metal at a slow rate, about .003 per hour, Start course and end up at 1000, go finer for a mirror finish. Changing barrels is routine, was done all the time back in the day. But finding someone with the parts and the set of reamer and that knows how to do it, lost art IMO. I have the tools to remove the barrel, did one just to try it out. It works, but if your not careful (lucky) you'll crush the extension. BB Quote
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted February 20 Posted February 20 Do you have a pic of what the old bore looks like? Quote
Go West Posted February 20 Author Posted February 20 No pic, the gun is in the back of my safe. No need to pull all out for a pic. Quote
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