Winchester 1897 safe to fire?

[MrDickey]

Shoving a dowel down the barrel isn't going to accurately tell you if the unfired shell seats tightly, since the base will expand; especially if it is a stell base.

The weapon needs to be taken to a gunsmith, not just anyone at the counter of a gun shop, to be inspected, Many do not understand that even if a modern 2 3/4" shell fits into a chamber, the hull unfolds at the crimp and becomes longer when fired. This can raise barrel pressure. Some say it is not that much, but add to it modern heavier propellants and possible weaker steel used in older guns and you may have a problem.

Also, the steel used at about the turn of the 19th century may not be suitable for modern powders and loads. I onece had an idiot at a supposedly very good gun store sell me Magnum loads for 12 gauge manufactured in 1908. Fortunately I never fired them until I got a modern Remintgon, else I may have gotten a firing pin blown back into my face.

If the smith says not to shoot 2 3/4" shells, there are 2 1/2" loads on the market that are desighed for older guns. That or perhaps he can enlarge your chamber.

Good point actually I didn't realize the expansion would be an issue. Gives me more reason to be careful with her then.