Norinco 1897 clone

[FatKatMatt]

Does anyone have any experience with these? I like the look and feel of the Winchester '97 versus other shotguns, and since originals are $1000+ ing ood condition the Norinco is the best alternative for shooting.

I've heard conflicting reports; some say they're wonderful and better than the originals, some say they're crap.

If anyone is knowledgeable about these, I would appreciate it if you could pass on your info.

Thanks,
Matt

[FortCourageArmory]

I have a couple of the Chinese copies of the 1897. They are usually a little rough out of the box, but not so much that a competent smith can't clean them up. They are a very affordable alternative to original Winchesters, but they aren't as good...IMO only. Your actual mileage may vary.

[FatKatMatt]

I see, thanks. Anyone else have one of these that would mind sharing an opinion?

-Matt

[Steyr_223]

I have the 97 trench and like it. Have shot it very little since I mostly shoot my rifles.

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-norinco/YL-M-97.shtm

Here are some threads on other forums.

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/shotguns-43/3841-winchester-12ga-trench-gun.html

http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/milshotgun/shotgun.pl?read=10243

http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/milshotgun/shotgun.pl?read=8

[csarel]

I really like mine, I love it when I slap on the bayo, I get some shocking looks!

[gibbet]

My Norinco Trenchgun is ok, worth the price. Has a few sharp edges, and the stock wood is nothing to rave about.

Original Winchester 1897s come in a few models. I picked up a chopped bird gun for $350 and an ex-PD riot gun for $350. The Trenchguns are too pricey for me, maybe when I win the lotto.

I would buy a Norinco again, but for me its a bargain shooter, tho I haven't had time to pull the trigger. I would rate it a buy.

[Spiggy]

I just paid for mine 6 days ago (4 more before I can pick it up ).

I didnt get it until I handled my freind's, as a wall hanger, it has been safequeening since he got it last summer... so I would assume that it works like out of the box.

it is a bit rough and the corners of the bolt are sharp

But as FortCourageArmory said; it's nothing a competent gunsmith cant fix... or in my freind's case, a higher ape with a small file and sandpaper

EDIT!
I just picked it up, no sharp corners on mine

Bolt is a bit rough, but nothing light sandpaper cant fix.

Also, my 1907 sling was a bit too wide for the sling loops, so I put the loops on a vice and bent them to make it just a bit wider.

I'll get a picture for the picture thread when I get the bayonet too

[Tweak338]

Bump for Spiggy's info on the Trencher

[gunrun45]

I've handled a few over the years and have noticed that the more recent ones seem to have better finish and fewer "rough spots"

I recently purchased a 1887 lever shotgun clone and was impressed by the quality. When I spotted it I though, "Why do I need that but what the hell, I'll look". When I checked it out my little voice in my head changed to "I might have to buy this".

I had the barrel lopped down to 18 1/2 inches and now its a real "work" gun.

[gunsnrovers]

You can still get a clean original for under $500. The trench gun stuff looks cool, but it's useless extra weight.

I'll take the real deal.