Winchester 1897

[Rainbow Bullets]

local store has an original winchester 1897 riot gun for sale for 600$

I was wondering if this is a good price for one,its in good working condition i just dont know much about these, it also has a big crazy muzzle brake on it and was wondering if this is original.

Also does anybody know if this model can be made into a trench gun with heat shield bayonet lug etc any input would help!

[PolishMike]

I don't think the brake would be original (cutts probably..?)

It really depends on how the finish is on the rest of it. Seems expensive for your description.

If you want a trench gun get one of the new chinese IO copies for less than that and don't butcher a classic gun.

[tpuig]

Trench guns are the holy grail of model 97's and go for good money. Riot guns are still in good demand too. However, many times a regular 97 can be confused for a riot gun.

I bought a decent Model 97 a couple years ago, with an aftermarket add on adjustable choke. Decent shape, but the fore end was damaged. I got a great deal, but wouldn't shoot it because the choke was also damaged. Bit of work with a dremel to remove it, and a new fore grip from Numrich, and I have a great shotgun. Smooth as silk and just a great shooter.

The "muzzle brake" is probably an adjustable choke. See if you can turn it. Very common addition to guns in the day before interchangeable choke tubes. You installed it on the barrel, and that way didn't have to purchase other barrels. A turn of the cylinder and you've got a different choke on the barrel.
Might look something like this...

http://www.poly-choke.com/choke2.htm

Check the bore size of the shotgun, should be stamped near the barrel.
Is it a take down model?

As mentioned, please don't change a classic gun. The cowboy shooters love these model 97's and often pay a nice price. Only to cut them down. $600 doesn't seem unrealistic for a nice Model 97. However, if it's a real riot gun it might go for more. A real trench gun should go for a lot more. There are some differences in a riot or trench gun, and while you can make it sort of look like one, it will never be the real thing.

I bought this book before going to look at what was offered as a riot gun. Luckily, it wasn't even close so I saved myself a bunch of money for a poorly done clone. No ill intent suspected, I just don't think the guy knew what he had. He saw short barrel and called it a riot gun.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=winchester%20riot%20gun

Hope this helps.

[Rainbow Bullets]

thanks mike ill probably buy this one after some more investigation and keep it original

thanks for the helpful info and links tpuig
i didn't know it was a choke would this be a good sign its a legitimate winchester? i saw the Winchester stamping on it too, im not sure if its a takedown model or not im not educated enough. Ill check out that book thanks again!

[Dozen Gauge]

Take a look here to get an idea of values:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Pump-Action-Shotguns/BI.aspx?Keywords=*winchester+1897

http://www.gunbroker.com/Pump-Action-Shotguns/BI.aspx?Keywords=norinco+1897

[tpuig]

We're spoiled with interchangeable choke tubes. In the old days, the barrel choke was one size, you got to pick what you wanted. The add on adjustable choke was a great idea (although I don't care much for the looks) so you didn't have to buy other barrels with a different choke size. I've seen them on many guns, so it's not just a Winchester thing. But it would be pretty cool if it came on the gun from Winchester.

[renardsubtil]

The choke was more than likely an add-on, I've yet to see any of the original advertisements show an 1897 with an adjustable choke on it.

You can actually snag a choke for these old guns, namely the Briley chokes made for thin walled barrels...which the Winchester 1897 does have. If you look down the barrel from the front, you'll see that the hole isn't centered...this was because of the machinery limitations at the time.

Is the one you're looking at a takedown model? I have a few pointers that you want to look for if it is - mainly the adjustment sleeve...that's the part that helps keep the receiver tight with the barrel/magazine tube.


Those Norinco trench models aren't too bad, but look up Cowboy action sights for venders because they'll took those and slick them up really nice for a fair price.