1897 Winchester

[WINGEDSWORD]

I may have to eat some crow on this one, as I REALLY dislike buying Chinese products. However, I want to get into a version of Cowboy Action shooting that requires a 1911 and an 1897 shotgun. I just acquired a beautiful Colt Government. I am having difficulty finding a good 1897 locally.(LA) Therefore, I am asking: Has anyone here, had extensive experience with the Norinco 1897? I would like an honest opinion. Also if anyone knows of a really nice 1897 in the Los Angeles county area, I would like to know.

[wyattearp]

Really good original '97's are going to cost at least $600. The Norincos have been around a long time and have gone through several generations, with improvements being made each time. Several of the cowboy gun importers offer newly made '97's, but I'm not sure if they're all Norinco's. Check EMF and Cimarron. Go over to the SASS Wire at www.sassnet.com and ask the same question. They also have a classified section where '97's come up for sale.

[WINGEDSWORD]

1897

Thanks Wyatt, but I won't have to eat crow after all. Just a couple of hours after I posted this, the Gun Genie worked his magic and a friend came up with a 97 Winchester! An absolutely BEAUTIFUL specimen. Take down model with the original case! Since it's C&R, it's now mine! The only problem is that I may have to have the barrel cut down. It won't fit in my safe!

[FastFinger]

Thanks Wyatt, but I won't have to eat crow after all. Just a couple of hours after I posted this, the Gun Genie worked his magic and a friend came up with a 97 Winchester! An absolutely BEAUTIFUL specimen. Take down model with the original case! Since it's C&R, it's now mine! The only problem is that I may have to have the barrel cut down. It won't fit in my safe!

Knuckle Duster's are things of beauty - please post a pic of your new baby!

[cudakidd]

If it's an original in great shape it would be a shame to cut it down! Buy a IAC 97 clone for the best quality and have fun and not ruin an original! I like mine.

And have fun shooting your Wild Bunch Matches...

I'm shooting a 87 lever 12 gauge...

[Someguy925]

The only problem is that I may have to have the barrel cut down

The beauty of the take down model is that you can detach it from the receiver.

[Hank Dodge]

My Norinco runs like a charm. It's had the appropriate working over to be reliable in a CAS / home defense role. The '97 is a fantastic shotgun, it has become the one and only shotgun for SHTF use around here.

[GreenMan]

The clones are supposted to work for parts, order a shorter barrel.
I have a extra slide and tube, been wanting to order a extra barrel for years.

I bought my 97 at the 1995 Pomona gun show. Picked it up for $185. I had the shotgun gone thru by a gun smith. Tightened it up and reblued it Colt blue. Mine has a 28" barrel. There are a lot of 16 gauges out there cheap.

[WINGEDSWORD]

1897

This is a 1939 vintage 30 inch full choke. I may try ordering a barrel. I also know where there is an IAC Trench gun. I'm going to look into that.
At any rate I've got an American Classic to go with my Colt 1911. Now all I have to do is replace my Uberti with a Winchester or Marlin.