Model 97 Takedown

tokguy

tokguy

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I inherited a 1897 Winchester take-down a few years back. Bluing is 60-70%. Its got a 28" barrel, full choke.
Sorry no pic's , maybe when I get home.
Any thoughts on value, desirablity?
 
$350-400, if it's just a plain shooter. They make great cowboy shotguns, only problem is that many sellers think that Cowboy Action shooters are stupid enough to pay some really silly prices.
 
Those '97s have a very slim feel to them, wonderful to carry and nice balance. But as soon as you pump them, all hell breaks loose in that action and metal parts just start flippin' and flyin' outa everywhere!

Be a nice duck gun if you used bismuth.
 
IMO there is no better mass produced natural pointing shotguin than the 97's. It was called "the perfect pointer" by Winchester. Actions are a bit stiff and noisy but reliable. If your a south paw you better mind your thumb though!
 
I've never had a problem with a '97 being a southpaw. M12shooter, do you refer to the bolt coming out to grab the thumb?

Yes I agree, fortunately and unfortunately tokguy the 1897 is a cheaper shotty than the norm, unless its got some 'special parts'. Takedowns are more common than solid frame guns and its not often you will find top condition guns due to their use in Cowboy shooting and their general use over the years. Still my favorite shotgun albeit a little fussy at times, but if you keep 'er oiled and check up that she doesn't shake to bits, it will serve ya well.

On the note of ppl charging exorbitant prices for them, I can concur, when it comes to some people, a regular 97 all of a sudden becomes a $550-$750 gun :rolleyes: I have never spent more than $350 for any of my 1897's, and one of them was slicked up, another just needed some minor parts replacement and the rest just worked fine.

I found out a couple years ago my uncle has my granddad's 1897 made in '56 and its pretty much brand new, it was apparently only used for a couple seasons before he switched to a Win Model 25.....anyhow, its the only almost perfect 97 I have ever seen that wasn't re-done.

Anyhow, the moral of the story tokguy is that yes the '97 is desireable, but just not a big money getter.
 
The model 97 was discontinued in 1957, therefore biterman your 56 is more or less one of the last ones made. Most have lots of miles on them as they were designed as shooting tools for a time when many fed their families on stuff that was shot. The early ones were non take downs like the M25's you mentioned. Lefties tended to get their thumbs mashed (the webbing between thumb and index) when working shells through 1897 actions. Earned the name "thumb busters"!
 
Bittermansbro said:
I've never had a problem with a '97 being a southpaw. M12shooter, do you refer to the bolt coming out to grab the thumb?

Yes I agree, fortunately and unfortunately tokguy the 1897 is a cheaper shotty than the norm, unless its got some 'special parts'. Takedowns are more common than solid frame guns and its not often you will find top condition guns due to their use in Cowboy shooting and their general use over the years. Still my favorite shotgun albeit a little fussy at times, but if you keep 'er oiled and check up that she doesn't shake to bits, it will serve ya well.

On the note of ppl charging exorbitant prices for them, I can concur, when it comes to some people, a regular 97 all of a sudden becomes a $550-$750 gun :rolleyes: I have never spent more than $350 for any of my 1897's, and one of them was slicked up, another just needed some minor parts replacement and the rest just worked fine.

I found out a couple years ago my uncle has my granddad's 1897 made in '56 and its pretty much brand new, it was apparently only used for a couple seasons before he switched to a Win Model 25.....anyhow, its the only almost perfect 97 I have ever seen that wasn't re-done.

Anyhow, the moral of the story tokguy is that yes the '97 is desireable, but just not a big money getter.
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No disagreement so long as we're talking about field models. But, there are select pieces that are desirable to collectors. I've seen diamond trap models go for over $3K. There are also riot models, trench guns, and certain configurations that sell for more. I, myself, paid over $600 for a riot model that belonged to the British Columbia Police Force (precursor to the RCMP in BC), $650 for a plain field model in mint condition, and $850 for an authentic trench gun with WWI and WWII provenance, complete with bayonet.

There are 3 different markets for 1897's:

- everyday hunters and shooters. To the everyday shooter, 1897's hold the same interest as do any other not steel-capable shotguns. To them, it has limited use and isn't worth much over $225 regardless.

- cowboy action shooters and vintage shotgun fans. To these folks, the 1897 is a piece of history that just happened to be the most successful repeating shotgun of it's age. Condition is important to these buyers, but their price range still caps out at about $450.

- serious collectors. Collectors of period guns, Winchesters, John Browning designs, military or law enforcement history are all interested in 1897's. These tend to be the most sensitive to overall condition, originality (as in original parts and unrefinished), and price. However, the top end of this group's price range is continually being rewritten.

A potential buyer can belong to more than one of these groups. Knowing which group(s) would be interested in one like yours, gives you a feel for what it will fetch.

tokguy: Yours is worth between $200 and $450, depending on condition
 
Those '97s have a very slim feel to them, wonderful to carry and nice balance. But as soon as you pump them, all hell breaks loose in that action and metal parts just start flippin' and flyin' outa everywhere!
Click to expand...

When I bought my '97 riot gun the guy at the gunshop pumped it open and took a nasty gash out of his hand..... I love mine but you'd better keep your hands clear of that action.....
 
straightshooter said:
No disagreement so long as we're talking about field models. But, there are select pieces that are desirable to collectors. I've seen diamond trap models go for over $3K. There are also riot models, trench guns, and certain configurations that sell for more. I, myself, paid over $600 for a riot model that belonged to the British Columbia Police Force (precursor to the RCMP in BC), $650 for a plain field model in mint condition, and $850 for an authentic trench gun with WWI and WWII provenance, complete with bayonet.

There are 3 different markets for 1897's:

- everyday hunters and shooters. To the everyday shooter, 1897's hold the same interest as do any other not steel-capable shotguns. To them, it has limited use and isn't worth much over $225 regardless.

- cowboy action shooters and vintage shotgun fans. To these folks, the 1897 is a piece of history that just happened to be the most successful repeating shotgun of it's age. Condition is important to these buyers, but their price range still caps out at about $450.

- serious collectors. Collectors of period guns, Winchesters, John Browning designs, military or law enforcement history are all interested in 1897's. These tend to be the most sensitive to overall condition, originality (as in original parts and unrefinished), and price. However, the top end of this group's price range is continually being rewritten.

A potential buyer can belong to more than one of these groups. Knowing which group(s) would be interested in one like yours, gives you a feel for what it will fetch.

tokguy: Yours is worth between $200 and $450, depending on condition
Click to expand...

Very well put straightshooter, and yes I was speaking of the 'utility 97' only. I'm a number 2 and 3 myself :)
 
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