Winchester model 1897

[sksnujack]

are these shotguns common or difficult to find?

how much would one go for, say circa 1940s or 1950s, i understand they were in production until 1957 or so. ive noticed that the older the model 97 the more they are going for that is why i think i would be in the market for a later production.

im in vancouver so are there any gun shows i might check out that would have some of these shotties for sale?

 

[Boomer]

They show up from time to time. There is one for sale right now in the Canadian Access in riot gun trim for $300.00.

 

[sksnujack]

so the riot model is like looks like that norinco trench gun, correct?

are field models more common than the riot (trench gun) models, also would the field model be less expensive? im guessing the riot (trench gun) version is more desirable to collectors theirfore more exspensive when they hit the auction block.

 

[JohnC]

You have to look at condition etc.
A true trench gun with the heat shield, bayo lug, flaming bomb stamp ertc is woth quite a bit of money - over $1000 would not be unheard of for a good specimen. The riot gun configuration generally only refers to a short barrel version (20") and these are fairly common and might be found for $300- $400 depending on condition Also, Cowboy Action shooters sometimes buy these with longer barrels and have the barrel cut to 20" for manoeuvrability in their sport.

They are loads of fun (once you have learned not to let your grip on the buttstock wrist slide forward when cycling the action - the "1897 web" is like the Garand thumb, part of the learning curve). Like the Model 12 and the Ithaca 37, they have no disconnector, so you can hold the trigger back and fire as fast as you can cycle the action.

 

[straightshooter]

In Canada, you should be able to find a decent specimen for between $250 and $500, depending on condition (field model). If it's a take-down model, there could be some looseness between the receiver and the barrel assembly. In such cases, you want to take it apart and have a look at the threads on the receiver side. It's unlikely that there'd be any damage to those threads, but it never hurts to have a look. The looseness itself is not an issue. The gun could be so loose it's like trying to aim a snake and it can still be brought back nice and tight for about $20 (Assuming that the adjusting sleeve is already at the limit of adjustment. If there's still opportunity to turn the original sleeve, you can fix it for free).

Have a look at the end of the barrel to see if it looks abnormally thin (this would be caused by shooting steel shot through the gun). Check also the end of the butt stock that mates up with the back of the receiver. Cracks in the stock are almost always in that area or on the fore-stock. If the wood up against the receiver is severely blackened, it may be a sign of oil damage to the stock (caused by excessive oiling and storing the gun with the barrel up). If any of these conditions exist, offer the seller a reduced price based on what you can see (except for thin barrels - stay away from those). The other conditions, looseness or oily wood, can easily be fixed (new stock will cost about $100).

Other than those tips, buy one - you'll never regret it. I can help you find any parts you'd need, but it's unlikely you ever will. Maybe a replacement stock or an adjustment sleeve, but if you buy one that needs either of those, it should be obvious and you should get it for more of a discount than it'll cost to fix. If the action cycles smoothly, I wouldn't hesitate to buy any 1897 as long as the price reflects the condition of the wood and the barrel.

What the others have said is all true. Trench guns in good shape are worth around a grand. Riot guns, about $500. 16 guage models are worth about 50% more than the same gun/same condition in 12 ga.

SS