Impulse Auction Buy - Winchester 1897 12Ga

[MosinVirus]

Been looking for a while, and was thinking about picking one up to restore.
Have no idea of the bore condition, etc... But looks like a good one to tinker with.

Got it for just under $500 at an auction.

These are auction pics. I haven't even paid for it yet, but hopefully everything will go through without a hiccup.











Let the bashing begin.

[Enfield47]

A good overnight soak of WD-40 or Kroil, brass wool and a little elbow grease should make it look immensely better. Hopefully its internals are in good condition.

[pitfighter]

God - I do like the lines of the 1897 - I have used it in my work extensively, it is a cherry of a slide-gun.

This is a nice one, with "character" don't try to clean it up too much, it earned those gray hairs.

Nice use of a take-down '97 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-5usV6m4J4

[renardsubtil]

Nice pick up!
That's a "bush" model stock and that particular shotgun is a takedown model but I suggest not taking it apart as it puts wear on the adjustment sleeve - I have a few pictures of what a good sleeve looks like if you're ever curious (pm me if you'd like them)

[MosinVirus]

A good overnight soak of WD-40 or Kroil, brass wool and a little elbow grease should make it look immensely better. Hopefully its internals are in good condition.

I hope so too. Auction said serials matched, and screw heads are not buggered up so it may not have been thoroughly cleaned in a while, or if it has been it was done by someone who cared enough to use a proper screw driver.

God - I do like the lines of the 1897 - I have used it in my work extensively, it is a cherry of a slide-gun.

This is a nice one, with "character" don't try to clean it up too much, it earned those gray hairs.

Nice use of a take-down '97 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-5usV6m4J4

A part of me wants to clean it and potentially restore it. The wood seems to have lost most of the finish.

Nice pick up!
That's a "bush" model stock and that particular shotgun is a takedown model but I suggest not taking it apart as it puts wear on the adjustment sleeve - I have a few pictures of what a good sleeve looks like if you're ever curious (pm me if you'd like them)

Thank you. I think I will have to take it apart at least once to inspect, clean and lubricate it. I would definitely like to see pics of good sleeves to compare to this one. I will PM you when I get it.

[Croweman08]

Watch out mosin.....ive seen you on the Winchester board......youre going down the winchester rabbit hole! Nice pick up. I don't have an 1897 yet.

[MosinVirus]

Watch out mosin.....ive seen you on the Winchester board......youre going down the winchester rabbit hole! Nice pick up. I don't have an 1897 yet.

I just might be... lol... I will have to try and remember my login to Winchester collectors board.

[Hhsohn]

Hmm... looking forward to what you'll do with it, MV. I just picked one up from Carol Watson Auction as well.

[MosinVirus]

Hmm... looking forward to what you'll do with it, MV. I just picked one up from Carol Watson Auction as well.

It is kind of exactly what I was looking for... I think it wants some TLC and I have some for it. The stock screams at me already.

I also just bought some film studio lights so hopefully I can make some videos again (at night is when I have time).

[Mike Armstrong]

Dose it have a choke marking left? It should be CYL if it does.

[MosinVirus]

Dose it have a choke marking left? It should be CYL if it does.

From the description:

Winchester 1897 12 Gauge in Riot Configuration; 20-inch barrel; choked cylinder; original choke marking on barrel is full; bluing is heavily worn to a brown and silver patina; original metal butt plate; matching SN; SN#409492

[Grendl]

I believe it should be marked "CYL" not "FULL" if it left the factory in riot configuration.

[MosinVirus]

I believe it should be marked "CYL" not "FULL" if it left the factory in riot configuration.

I will be taking more detailed pics and looking at everything closer when I get it.

So, with the Brush butt stock and wrong marking on the barrel, what is it?

[Grendl]

An 1897 manufactured in 1908. Still super sweet.

https://winchestercollector.org/dates/

[AR22]

I do not see any US Markings either if it the reiever was indeed a Riot 97. Too early of a serial number I think also. Not going to bash a 97 Winchester, I like them. I really like the exposed Hammers they have. I am a old guy that wishes they still had em made that way today.

A little pricey. But if you are happy with it at that price. That is what is important. Good Lord knows I pay more than I should sometimes,LOL