1897 Trench Gun Clone

[mikajo39]

Well as the title suggests I've become infatuated with the idea of the classic Winchester 1897. Since they've been out of production forever I've been looking at the Chinese imported ones by IAC(Norinco). I've read solid things about them, and that for the price they're quite solid. Only issue is that I can't find one for sale. I was wondering if any of my fellow calgunners have any experience with them and their thoughts and where they found theirs.

[Todosi]

I just picked one up at the Santa Barbara Historical Arms show for a steal! Mine wasn't the trench gun version, but still! You might start hitting some shows in your area and get the real deal.

[mikajo39]

I've heard they're quite popular at shows. Just wish I could find one in store, college lifestyle doesn't let me get to shows as much as I wish I could
How much did you get yours for if you don't mind me asking.

[mikajo39]

Also, how do you like it? Is it solid, pictures?

[NorcalGSG]

Its fun to get one. (inexpensive clone) And your's will probably work fine. But speaking from experience, don't get your hopes up too high just in case the one you get doesn't work right. Then you have to try and find someone that can fix a Chinese clone that is no longer imported and parts??? I'm not saying don't get it, just don't get all excited and then get let down if it doens't work. But still chances are yours will be fine.

[mikajo39]

They've got a lot of moving parts (100+) so something could definitely go wrong but they do have a decent reputation and most shooters are happy with them, not expecting anything amazing for the price point, kinda just want a classic shooter.

[Dozen Gauge]

IAC Norinco 97's are frequently sold at www.gunbroker.com and www.auctionarms.com. The Trench model as well, but not as frequently and they bring a premium. The last Trench version I saw was in June: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=289555468

Buy thru the web site and have your FFL guy fax a copy of his license to seller. The seller will ship to your FFL and he will hold for 10 days. The sites above have lists of FFL dealers in your area that will handle the sale for you.

[blazeaglory]

I remember cheaper than dirt or some similar website had them a while ago for $319 and would not ship them to CA due to the BAYO LUG!! I was pissed.

[mikajo39]

I remember cheaper than dirt or some similar website had them a while ago for $319 and would not ship them to CA due to the BAYO LUG!! I was pissed.

I checked, they were all out. I don't buy from them, they're afraid to ship CA legal stuff into CA. Garbage. Really bums me out that the supply of these shotguns has dried up.

[blazeaglory]

I checked, they were all out. I don't buy from them, they're afraid to ship CA legal stuff into CA. Garbage. Really bums me out that the supply of these shotguns has dried up.

Yeah, who would have thought. I was doing some research on buying a real one but the problems of the quality of the metal made me want to get a new clone (since it was planning on being used).

[Dozen Gauge]

I remember cheaper than dirt or some similar website had them a while ago for $319 and would not ship them to CA due to the BAYO LUG!! I was pissed.

Bayonet lugs are legal in the Socialist Republic of Kalifornia. Some sellers don't want to jump thru the extra hoops (paper work) required by the Lib politicans in this state, so they won't ship here.

[blazeaglory]

Bayonet lugs are legal in the Socialist Republic of Kalifornia. Some sellers don't want to jump thru the extra hoops (paper work) required by the Lib politicans in this state, so they won't ship here.

No thats what the sales person told me over the phone...lol I told her bayo lugs were not illegal in California and then she said that it because it "slam fires" and then I told her most all shotguns slam fire. She then said "I dont know we cant ship it". I thought they ship other guns from their website just fine?

EDIT:Ill be damned they wont ship anything. Why didnt she just say that...lol

[mikajo39]

Its pretty common for them not to ship to Kalifornia, they're pretty paranoid as far as violating the law goes. Even getting ammo shipped is a major hassle.

[mikajo39]

Yeah, who would have thought. I was doing some research on buying a real one but the problems of the quality of the metal made me want to get a new clone (since it was planning on being used).

To buy an original and use it would probably be hard to justify. The clones are made of pretty decent metals and the parts are solid, the 1897 design is just quite a bit more delicate than any of the more modern shotguns of today. I plan on hopefully finding a clone and using it heavily. Call it a play pretty I suppose My 590A1 is my business shotgun and is my goto shotgun.

[89 Vision]

There's one for sale right now in the marketplace.....think it's in So Cal though so not much help for you. I have one though and can vouch for it's quality. It has a very solid feeling and locks up like a bank. Love the slam-fire function, just watch out for the web of your hand when working the action.