1941 Winchester 97 Riot Gun - Pics added

[NL-Hunter]

Will change title if it is not the correct model. Came across this one a week ago and had pics that somehow got corrupted. Will get some this week when time allow. The barrel is about 20 inches, have seen specs for 19 3/4 so not sure if I measured in right location. No checkering on buttstock, standard ribbed front pump grip and no swivels. Serial number identifies it as manufactured in 1941.

Do these have any value?

 

[Boomer]

I find the tench gun version with the ventilated handguard and the bayonet lug more desireable, so worth a bit more, but if the alley sweeper you have in mind is mechanically sound, it should run between $350 and $500. Watch the clearance between your shooting hand and the bolt as you cycle that thing, it'll plough a furrow.

 

[NL-Hunter]

Have had furrows before, nasty. Caused by semi auto handgun a long time ago. Getting a little more cautious as I age.

The gun looks to have been carried more than shot, bore is shiny and action works as it should and not sloppy. I agree with your opinion of the trench gun. That would be a definate keeper if complete and in good condiiton.

 

[fingers284]

Hundreds upon hundreds of those have been "shortened" for the Cowboy game. Only way to know if that one is original is a factory shipping record (obtain from Cody Fire arms Museum). Cowboy guns are shortened to 18.5" to 22" and anywhere in between so a length that "comes close" to a specific manufactured length may be just by accident just as easy as it may be an original.

 

[dogzilla]

They are very popular for cowboy shooting, but not overly valuable. As was said the trench gun is more valuable because it is more collectable. They made this gun right into the mid fifties (I believe) and made a couple of million of them so they are easy to find. They came in two versions, the take down and the solid frame. The take down brings slightly more money. They are finicky and have millions of parts, springs, and bits and pieces (there is a saying, for cowboy you need 3, one for the match, one as a spare, and one in the shop getting fixed). Norinco made a decent reproduction, and they sold brand new for about $400, and once smoothed out are quite comparable to the original. I have one of each and like them both for what they are, but as a daily shooter will stick to my 870

 

[NL-Hunter]

Pics added of actual gun ...

 

[fingers284]

Just a plain ol' t/d 97 methinks, doesn't appear to have any "five of diamond" characteristics like fancy wood ( does the bolt have any reference to "trap model" stamping visible in loading port when action closed). If the t/d joints are tight it looks to be a $350-$450 cowboy game "shooter".

 

[Leg]

It has a Cyl choke which means it likely left the factory with the 20" barrel. Factory riot guns are certainly more valuable than all of the cut downs that are out there. Not as valuable as a real trench gun but worth more than the average beater.

Can't help as to actual value, sorry.

 

[NL-Hunter]

It has a Cyl choke which means it likely left the factory with the 20" barrel. Factory riot guns are certainly more valuable than all of the cut downs that are out there. Not as valuable as a real trench gun but worth more than the average beater.

Can't help as to actual value, sorry.

This was definately not cut down, but since produced in large numbers the value is likely not high. I think Boomer's estimate is spot on.

 

[Mike Webb]

Hundreds upon hundreds of those have been "shortened" for the Cowboy game. Only way to know if that one is original is a factory shipping record (obtain from Cody Fire arms Museum). Cowboy guns are shortened to 18.5" to 22" and anywhere in between so a length that "comes close" to a specific manufactured length may be just by accident just as easy as it may be an original.

Like Leg says the cylinder bore just about guarantees the gun is a factory riot gun. I would say the value is around $650 to $750. Standard 30 inch full choke model 97's that have been chopped go for $350 to $500, This is a different bird.