Any Winchester 1897 guru's here?

[Tim K]

I got one as a hand-me-down, and have almost no idea what I have. I checked the serial number and it was built in 1907. It has a 24" barrel and seems to be all original. I'd estimate about 80% finish, and it doesn't seem to ever have been restored. Full choke.

Where should I go to get some idea of the worth of this thing?

[sniper_tim]

Here ya go, not sure if it is what your looking for, but may be useful:

http://vishooter.home.att.net/m1897/model_97_tips.html

cheers

[Tim K]

That helps. The more I know the better. Thanks.

Here ya go, not sure if it is what your looking for, but may be useful:

http://vishooter.home.att.net/m1897/model_97_tips.html

cheers

[GunTroll]

Great gun! If I'm not mistaken it is the predecessor to the venerable model 12. I'd shoot light loads it that gun. Nothing super charged. It slam fires too I believe (not a safety hazard). I've been looking for one for a while at shows and shops that's not price hijacked. Keep it around and don't refinish it to sharpen it up. More value left alone.

[Tim K]

Don't plan to shoot it myself, or even keep it. Not my style. Mostly just trying to figure out what a fair asking price might be.

[10x]

The 1897 is a fine gun, the first successful pump shotgun.

Value depends greatly and I mean greatly upon how well it functions mechanically, gauge, chamber length (early ones were shorter) and finish (which you described). Some pictures would really help.

A 24" barrel is short. I would expect to see a 30" barrel with a full choke gun.
If it has been cut, that would detract from value.

[theGinsue]

Great gun! If I'm not mistaken it is the predecessor to the venerable model 12.

You are not mistaken. I have a military "riot" version of the model 12. Both are good really guns.

Tim, you should really reconsider keeping it. I think it would grow on you.

[bjl913]

great pump gun! I have one of the 1897 takedown model riot guns. Nothing like a shotty with a bayonet lug! I would hold on to it if i were you!