Questions for T97 owners

Gnome75

Gnome75

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I think I have settled on the T97 since a lot of the WKs seem to be breaking. All I plan to use the rifle for is plinking on crown land. In the unlikely event I start doing 3 gun I won't take it seriously and will be fine with last place any way. I just want a 5.56 semi auto that will last a long time with proper maintenance and reliably feed. I don't care that much about accuracy, my SKS and Enfields are accurate enough for example.

My questions are:

1. Is the gen 2 FTU actually worth spending extra for? I don't see myself ever putting a scope on it. I enjoy iron sights for what I am using it for.

2. Does a ambi AR15 mag release fit on the Gen 1? I know the button on the right side is different but the left side looks the same. If not does any sell the gen 2 mag release to put on the gen1?

3. Is there a reliability difference between the gen 1 and gen 2?



I don't want a mini 14 because it does not use AR mags and I don't like the design of them.
 
I own a T97 FTU. It's 100% worthwhile for the charging handle alone, but you'll need to consider your iron sights... The rail is really high up compared to the cheek comb, so you'll need really low aftermarket irons. Standard height AR irons would be pretty high and you'd need a "chin weld" instead of a cheek weld.

Really, the FTU is made for an optic. But I personally despised the "single-finger charging handle inside the carrying handle" so the FTU was a great choice.
If you really want to use irons, but don't want the garbage charging handle, there's side-charging handles available aftermarket (they reciprocate though, while the FTU charging handle does not reciprocate).

If you decide to go for a rail with an optic, then as for the Gen 1 with FTU vs Gen 2, I would recommend Gen 1 with the FTU for the simple reason that it can be stripped for maintenance without removing the rail and you'll keep your zero. With the Gen 2, you have to remove the rail to strip the firearm fully. Not worthwhile in my opinion, as you lose zero each time you take it down.

No idea about the ambi mag release, I use the one that came with the LHG from T97.ca
 
With the gen 2 having machined feed ramps, bigger mag well and a flat top with a better charging handle, a gen 1 would need to be nearly free to buy a g1 over a g2 IMO.
A buddy very briefly had a gen 1, and sold it because it was a jamomatic that only one brand of metal mag would fit without modification. Pretty sure he would have been happy had it been a g2.
 
Astute Observer said:
I own a T97 FTU. It's 100% worthwhile for the charging handle alone, but you'll need to consider your iron sights... The rail is really high up compared to the cheek comb, so you'll need really low aftermarket irons. Standard height AR irons would be pretty high and you'd need a "chin weld" instead of a cheek weld.

Really, the FTU is made for an optic. But I personally despised the "single-finger charging handle inside the carrying handle" so the FTU was a great choice.
If you really want to use irons, but don't want the garbage charging handle, there's side-charging handles available aftermarket (they reciprocate though, while the FTU charging handle does not reciprocate).

If you decide to go for a rail with an optic, then as for the Gen 1 with FTU vs Gen 2, I would recommend Gen 1 with the FTU for the simple reason that it can be stripped for maintenance without removing the rail and you'll keep your zero. With the Gen 2, you have to remove the rail to strip the firearm fully. Not worthwhile in my opinion, as you lose zero each time you take it down.

No idea about the ambi mag release, I use the one that came with the LHG from T97.ca
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Thanks for the insight. I figured the AR15 irons would work but clearly not, you saved me on that experience. I am ok with the one finger charging but the option is there to change it if I want. The reciprocating parts sucks but given the price I can get over it.
 
1. Is the gen 2 FTU actually worth spending extra for? I don't see myself ever putting a scope on it. I enjoy iron sights for what I am using it for.
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Keep in mind the iron sights are... not good. The rear aperture is a pinprick, the front post is wide, and the radius is short. You can get good accuracy out of it, but it is difficult. I also suspect the sights are graded for the Chinese proprietary 5.8 rather than 5.56, so the range adjustments might be off. The Gen2's flip-ups might actually be better in some ways.

But even if you don't want a scope, the Gen 2 has other advantages, like enlarged controls, an ambi magazine release, M4 feed ramps, and in general just slightly better springs and machining.

2. Does a ambi AR15 mag release fit on the Gen 1? I know the button on the right side is different but the left side looks the same. If not does any sell the gen 2 mag release to put on the gen1?
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You'd have to modify the catch and re-thread the button, but some people have made it work. As mentioned above, the Gen2 has an ambi release from the factory.

There's a guy who makes an ambi catch specifically for the T97. It's a bit pricey but it works well and I consider it a must-buy.


3. Is there a reliability difference between the gen 1 and gen 2?
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I don't think so. The Gen 2 is machined slightly better but my Gen 1 has had only 3 stoppages in the last 2000 rounds.


It will be the feed ramp of the rifle you will have to work on. When I had mine I had to do this.
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I've owned two and I've had several friends own them as well and we've never had to do this. I really don't think it's too common.
 
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I have tried all the options over the years. The carry handle version looks better to me, but the flat tops easyer for optics. Flattops are a pain to clean compared to carry handle version. I hate the irons on the t97! I ended up with another carry handle version. Will prob end up selling it one day too.
 
The irons on the gen1 are garbage. I was going to put the FTU on my Gen 1 but I ended up trading it. It was reliable but did not like pmags. I would suggest picking up some sl8/g36 sights for it.They are much lower than ar sights
 
I own a Gen 1 and it is alright and reliable. I don't own a Gen 2 or have ever shot one but I don't see why you wouldn't buy the upgraded one.
 
Excellent choice going with the T97 !! I have had a few of these & I really like my gen 2. I had no feeding issues. It ran good right out of the box. Kinda has a mystery Trigger.....kinda mushy & not a positive break feeling, but I overlook it....and you get use to it. With the iron sites I was slamming 8x8 metal plates at 100 yards shot for shot. My old gen 1 use to Dent the ejected brass,..my gen 2 doesnt.

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If you have no intention to put a scope on it,and, you don't really care for timing yourself in mag changes get a Gen 1.

If you are chnagng mags that frequently, you can afford a lot more ammo than most of us here.
The 97 is not really a competition gun.
If you think of it as a 5.56 multi-tool like the SKS you are pretty much spot on.
The iron sights are no competition sights, but the accuray will depend more on the shooter than on the iron sights.
If you want reliable and fairly accurate it is a good choice.
Limited maintainance, the cleaning and oiling after use and it wll keep for a long time.
As Jarny pointed out, there is a fair option out there for a better mag release, maybe around $140.
The cocking handle in the carry handle is ambidextruous and should not be a problem even for some big fingers.

You can get Gen 1 pretty cheap n the EE.
Saw one yesterday going for $750.
Only thing is to ask the seller if there are any issues feeding, extracting or ejecting.


The Gen 1 with FTU will set you back more money.
Guys tend to want their money back out of trying to improve thier guns.
Now you have the problem of trying to figure out what scope.
There goes another $200-600 depending on what you like and getting the height correct.

Gen 2 more expensive yet.
Same scope problems and costs.
 
I'm a lefty, am I gonna get hot brass in the face or neck?
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Yeah, I think you would. The ejection isn't switchable to the other side, and as a bulpup it would be right against your face. You might need a modified Tavor or Keltec RDB if you want a 5.56 bulpup and you're a lefty.
 
I honestly think you are going to see the T97 rise slightly in price. I think people are starting to realize its a lot better gun for the money than first thought. Do you really want a plastic Keltec su 16 for a grand ? or other cheaply manufactured NR that their pushing for a high price.?
 
I’m a lefty and I tried a fellows t-97 at the range and it was fine
The brass ejected at the 1:00 position far forwards so it was good to go
I tried a tavor at the range too and it was a no go, brass was bouncing off my face!
 
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