WTT for or Buy Winchester 1897

Kylem1127 · Nov 14, 2019

Hey guys!
Earlier this week, I happened to come across a really nice 1897 heat shield that someone no longer wanted. I gave it a new home, and now I'm now looking for something to put it on! I'm looking for an 1897 that is reliable, in good working order and condition, and has shortened stock and barrel.
I've shot a couple of these, but never owned one. Anything I should know in my search? This question goes to sellers or anyone reading this post and willing to share some info. I'm also not looking for safety warnings or any cautions against this, but rather things to look for and things to look out for when getting one. Any years or serial numbers to avoid? I saw one post about avoiding earlier years, but no reason to back it up and no other posts regarding the same subject. Any input? What makes one model of these more desirable than others? I know that there are trap models and such, but other than barrel length or stock variations, would the internals or any important parts be different? Better quality or smoother action?
Another thing, if you're sending me an offer to purchase, please include anything you know about it. I don't care if it's boring or exciting, but the history of some older guns are interesting. Whether it was a farm gun, is from a pd station, or saw action elsewhere, it's just genuinely cool to know where they've gone and what they've seen.

I'm not interested in reproductions.

I have a few quality firearms I could offer for trade, which I'd prefer to do, but if you have a nice model at a fair price, I'm not opposed to working out a cash deal if that's your only interest.

I'm located in Smokey point, just above Marysville. I'm willing to travel a short distance, however, I'd greatly prefer to meet closer to my location. I'm not interested in any models being shipped to me, I don't like taking the risk.

jbett98 · Nov 14, 2019

The original 1897 Winchester Trench guns had a cylinder marked barrel (no choke) which had a thicker walled barrel.
When you install the three screws in the front clamp, you have to be very careful not to file the half rounded grooves to deep, as that will seriously weaken the barrel.
The screws should tap their threads into the barrel as you cross over to the threaded side of the clamp.

ma96782 · Nov 15, 2019

I have several that I use for SASS. Actually three, takedown models, with bbls of various lengths. My favorite, is the one that I had cut down to a 20" bbl. BTW, SASS does not allow the "trench gun" configuration for their regular matches.

The Wild Bunch.

Another movie that has the 1897 in it is "The Professionals" from 1966. I have both movies in DVDs. IMHO.....must haves for Western fans (along with a bunch of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies).

Some porn for the trench gun fans:

Aloha, Mark

Kylem1127 · Nov 17, 2019

Yeah, I noticed a good deal of them are modified for cowboy shooting. I don't think I'd ever compete in sass, but taking it off if I ever do choose shouldn't be more than 10 minutes work.
That movie may make me impulsive, so Ive gotta hold off on watching that so I don't jump the gun and grab the next immediate offer. Haha speaking of which, not a single one...
No one has one of these lying around? Any older sass guys with no use for one anymore?

jbett98 · Nov 17, 2019

Most '97's that come up for sale are take down models, not solid receivers like the true originals.

Here's my project gun with an original period bayonet.

Kylem1127 · Nov 19, 2019

I appreciate all the advice. I'll be stopping my search as I've found what I'm looking for. Thanks to all that pitched in. Great pics, videos, and info!