Hey guys, I got a Winchester 1897 a couple months ago. It's a original riot gun with short barrel and the condition is pretty good. Just want to know should I use modern buck shots or slugs for it because these are the only two kinds of ammo that my range allowed, plus I have another bullpup shotgun that could use these rounds.
Is that ok to shot modern buck shots or slugs through a Winchester 1897?
- Thread starter hao720525
- Start date
TheCoachZed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
They made these for decades. Knowing what year it was actually made would be a good start.
I'd be careful with it and only shoot standard shells. However I have to wonder if you might have an irreplaceable WWI antique there. Does it have a bayonet lug?
I'd be careful with it and only shoot standard shells. However I have to wonder if you might have an irreplaceable WWI antique there. Does it have a bayonet lug?
No it's not a trench gun from WWI, but I do have the aftermarket bayonet lug and heat shield from another purchase. Thinking to modify it to a trench gun in the future.
And if you don't mind, what's the "Standard shells" you are saying? Trying to do the best for that antique with over 100 years history lol
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
Any 1897 or model 97 in good condition will handle modern loads. What makes the difference is that some of these guns are well over 100 years old and have had a lot of strokes on them. Condition is the limiting factor. Having said that I have no idea what condition your gun is in so I won't say your gun would be OK. All 1897 and 97 models were designed for smokeless powder. The 1893 pump was black powder proofed.
Darryl
Darryl
Maybe not common at present but there at least used to be allegedly higher powered buck and slug loads sold in the standard lengths. I was just saying I wouldn't push it and maybe even look for low recoil stuff sold for competitions. Which I suppose are now rare as well. If it was a riot gun I also assume it has a cylinder choke but I'd still be avoiding steel shot as well.
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
Model 97's have a complicated operating system. Heavy wear will quickly cause this gun to develop head space issues and locking issues. It also contributes to the built in fool proofs failing allowing the gun to fire out of battery. Best case is have a gunsmith look it over if you have ANY doubt about the gun's shootability. Your gun's description speaks to the externals very well. Internals could be a different picture. I have found that guns in good exterior trim are generally in good interior trim.
Darryl
Darryl
Old (100 year plus) 97 survive cowboy action with regular trap loads just fine. If your range is being picky about shells and you don't reload you can try wax slugs or cut shells. A wax slug is when you pick open the crimp on a shotshell and pour hot wax onto the shot then fold the crimp back down. I don't know if that works without a press but maybe you can MacGyver something. A cut shell is when you use a jackknife to cut 90% ish of the shell through to the wad so that when you fire the shell everything forward of where you cut goes downrange. This is somewhat risky because there's no guarantee the outer hull will leave the barrel. There are buckshot moulds you can buy so you may be able to buy a cheap single stage press, pick open the crimp on a shell, melt down the shot, then reload however many pellets you get out of the shot. Just a few more pennies for you.
