Looking at picking one of these up with a 30" barrel :) If you have the chance, could you tell me how long each of the sections is when the gun is in 2 pieces? Thanks
I'm surprised how easily (and smoothly) yours dissasembles. Mine is very tight and quirky - but works fine. A few of these 97's I see at gun shows are very hard to tear-down. Some past owners are unfamiliar with the tear-down procedure and use brute force, plumber's vice grips - or even a hammer!!! My word of advice to anyone buying this type of shotgun is to ask the owner/dealer to tear it down in front of you. It should come apart easily, just like in the video.
@j267699 The funny thing is, that when I bought this gun, it was dirty. I didn't clean it before filming, since this was made right after I bought it.
Thanks for the nice video - I have one of these with the heat shield and bayonette - really fun to shoot. But I wouldn't cut yours down if I were you - would probably devalue it!
Nice job on the video! Check out the movie Bullet - the hit man uses a 1897 take down and when he's finished he breaks it in half and stores each half in his coat.
@RevolverPhantom Yeah, it just takes some time getting a memory-based grip on the gun, to where you don't notice the bolt coming back out the receiver.
Glad you told me about the slide cutting my hand before i bought one,what companies make replicas of this,if you dont know any idea where i can find out?
@dasdew2 I only know of ones mad by Norinco, Cimarron and TTN, I believe. I think the finish and surface of the originals look a lot better, compared to the other companies.
Very good informative video Mossy 500A, all of your facts are correct. It's an important point you bring up about the hammer cocking mechanism moving back and mashing the user's thumb. I never thought about that till you pointed it out. I've been wanting to get a Norinco 97 (Winchester clone), so I'll have to remember to keep my big hands far enough back from that action. Still a fine shotgun that gets alot of attention from collectors and historical arms buffs like myself.
they made these from 1897-1957, and mines from 1905, i havin been able to disamble it, it gets the pin out, pulls out, but wont twist the barrle/mag. im hoping its just cuz its 105 years old but could be jamed or not doin somthing right
@chevyalltheway2013 Try pulling out the magazine tube after you turn it, then give the gun a twist. If stuck, try using a chemical like PB Blaster to loosen it up.
Hey Mossy thats a really nice looking shotgun you got there! the color is soo classic, did you know that germans hated that gun soo much that they would kill any marine carrying one in combat! it was a really painful death if you were unlucky enough to get hit with one of those shells!
Nice gun, good video. We've got a '97, built in the '30's, and have had a lot of fun with it. I think the exposed hammer is a safety feature in itself, and the half-cock is an additional safety as you stated.
Good video Bro....I'd love to get into collecting military shotguns someday. I have a Mossberg 500A in 20 gauge---I guess it's a start. Thanks for the vid.
Very nice video, awesome gun too! if u don't mind me asking, about how much did u pay for that one? I am just trying to get a general idea of about how much i should give for one, thanks.
You describe the mechanism perfectly in terms of the way it "slam fires"
I understand that it is a common term, but the sear is directly controlled by the trigger provided the weapon is in battery which is not "slam firing" but "hand assisted full auto"
Hard as hell on it to let the hammer drop on an empty chamber (@ 1:07). I know that was for display purposes but if you gotta release the hammer hold it while pulling the trigger and let it down gently. Tough old gun but you want it to last forever don't you? Nice gun though, bro.
Man i have this shotgun and when i try to pump it, its locked or somethin, and if i push forward it works. Is that soposed to happen, seems like a flaw to me.
It is not flawed. When the gun is fired, the action lock is disenganged by the recoil. Sometimes you may have to slide the pump forward, but it is not broken.
I just picked up one of these myself. Amazing how a 113 year old design STILL is sufficient for combat, home defense, and hunting. Keep shooting and thanks for the video!
Rather than cut the existing barrel, purchase an already shortened barrel/magazine tube assembly for a 12 ga takedown model. Mate it to your receiver/buttstock assembly, in that way you won't destroy your original gun. Purchase a repro heatshield, sling and 1917 remington bayonet from IMA and you will have a nice representattive trench gun. Just my 2 cents.
I hear ya. But I need another 12 gauge, like I need another hole in my head.. ; - ). The slightly smaller round has got me interested. Plus what you said about shortening the barrell as well. Down to the legal 18 in of course....
The shells should only be standard 2 3/4 inch. Any lite birdshot will do. Buckshot can be fired from it, but make sure you don't use magnum loads. If it has a fixed, full choke, avoid using slugs.
Numrich arms corp. They have a website. If you get a barrel from them, check the threads to make sure the adjusting sleeve will fit. They do refunds; I had to send back their trench gun barrel because of the wrong-sized threads.
lol, I love my 97, but she sure can bite if you don't watch out. (my dad still has scars on his hand from when he was a kid) I guess if you don't mind compromising the antique value, and shortening the barrel, the trench configuration is wicked cool, especially with the bayonet. My buddy reconfigured his to the trench version, and it is a beastly looking gun. For now I've kept mine with that awkward 30 inch barrel, since I hunt alot of wood birds and rabbits.
Beautiful gun! My dad just recently got one exactly like this! Way to go buying the original and not one of those Norinco knock-offs. I just picked up a Mossberg 500A Cruiser shotgun myself, keep it up man!
Nice vid Mossy500A ! I picked up an old 1897 takedown that was in bad shape years ago. The barrel was 18 1/8 long and pretty rusty. I had to do something with it so i parkerized it last week and its looking good! (Grey like an m1 garand)Working on the wood this week. The action is smoothing out and the takedown works well. I hope to take it to a modern action shoot soon. The best school is old school!
nice, kind of a collector piece wouldnt dryfire the shit out of it like that at all but thats just me and wouldnt saw the barrel or make any half ass mods
Maybe i need to read up more on shotguns, i love 'em so much, this one and the M1887 being my favorite, but what i wanna ask is wouldn't be better, considering it's an old version u got, that instead of cutting the barrel that u look for a shorter barrel to purchase for this gun? I'm pretty sure that certain companies make this gun after winchester went outta business. Just a suggestion. It's a fine piece of shotgub history, why cut it if u can buy a newer, more durable barrel anyway?
I have shot it a few weeks ago, and it performs great. The only thing that needs to be fixed is the left-hand extractor. It is well- worn and causes the shotgun to jam sometimes. Slam fire is a hoot to do; can't wait until I get the trench gun barrel for it!
Again, the earliest the gun could be is about 60 years. The metallurgy for shotguns is different from todays. Also they had a problem with heat treating 1903 rifles, I wouldn't be surprised if these had problems too.
I'll reiterate what someone said before, if you want a trench gun buy a Norinco copy. They are as good if not better due to the advances in metallurgy. I just bought one a few days ago. I would feel a lot more comfortable shooting this one, especially slam firing it than an older one.
They are hard to find, last time I checked about a couple of thousands made it into the U.S. with a few hundred being slam-fire capable. I got one. :-)
Another John Browning successful design. Again designed for black powder.
Even though the pressure is significantly less, again I wouldn't shoot any of those old shotguns.
The 1897 shotgun was made for "modern loads" but again it's just one of those things that even if you feel comfortable doing it you probably still shouldn't shoot it.
Why would you want a black powder shotgun which was obsolete for the loads a few years after it came out?
It was the first successful pump action gun, by my all time hero, John Browning. However, you cannot shoot modern loads, and they recommend you don't even shoot them at all due to their manufacture and metallurgy.
Thanks for your comment, but don't worry. I will not cut this barrel down with a saw. I found a company that sells new takedown extensions, trench gun barrels, and heatshield bayonet lugs. I will buy those parts, but still keep the originals.
Edward! I like what you've got man! That's a very nice shotgun! I must say though that you SHOULD NOT modify it! The standard M1897's are becoming so rare now that modifying this one would be very wasteful! I would keep looking for an actual Trench Gun, and then I would buy it. Not only that, but I would also look into purchasing one with the shortened barrel, but no heat shield or bayonette lug. Those were the Riot Guns, for police and prison guards. That way you'd have a full set!
in the uk gun law is incredibly strict due to the pussys of our govt but u can get these with a shotgun licence but they have to be restricted to only hold 3 rounds in the barrel just like any other semi auto. im considering speaking to a "contact" to get me one of these
I have a 1920 Model 1897 12 gauge. It is a full chocked 30 inch barrel take down model. I Bought it for 400 bucks. The bluing is pretty bad on the barrel and it could stand to be restored. It has an extremely slick action- it requires no effort to cycle. After I find a reasonably priced Model 12 my shotgun collection will be complete.
These guns were 100-150 bucks a few years ago, but too many people got the same idea as you and modified them, making originals rare. Then cowboy action shooters started chopping up the rest, hence why you had to pay that much for yours. Now the Stevens guns are smooth, designed by John Browning(same designer as the 1897 win), and easier to work on. They were used along with the 1897 and model 12 Winchesters, and the Remington 17 in WW1.
I found out why the bolt is jamming. The chamber ring on the left side is worn out; it was a disassembly screw up on my part. I am going to have it replaced with a new one.
These guns were not the smoothest to begin with, which is why the Winchester model 12 was developed. Also the machining on these is not as precise as on modern guns, so even if you do find a barrel and mag assembly, it would require extensive fitting most likely. If you really want an authentic trench gun for cheap, look for a Stevens 520 also sold under the Westernfield model 30. They are cheap, plentiful, and the barrel shroud and bayo lug are the same.
Looking at picking one of these up with a 30" barrel :) If you have the chance, could you tell me how long each of the sections is when the gun is in 2 pieces? Thanks
crazyfvck 2 weeks ago
@crazyfvck Stock-to-receiver, 20 inches. Chamber-to-muzzle, 30 inches. Total length is 50 inches.
Mossy500A 2 weeks ago
@Mossy500A Awesome. Thank you so much :)
crazyfvck 2 weeks ago
Thanks for your insight!
Just acquired one as a hand-me-down from my grandparents
MarkNDNG343 1 month ago
I'm surprised how easily (and smoothly) yours dissasembles. Mine is very tight and quirky - but works fine. A few of these 97's I see at gun shows are very hard to tear-down. Some past owners are unfamiliar with the tear-down procedure and use brute force, plumber's vice grips - or even a hammer!!! My word of advice to anyone buying this type of shotgun is to ask the owner/dealer to tear it down in front of you. It should come apart easily, just like in the video.
j267699 1 month ago
@j267699 The funny thing is, that when I bought this gun, it was dirty. I didn't clean it before filming, since this was made right after I bought it.
Mossy500A 1 month ago
Thanks for the nice video - I have one of these with the heat shield and bayonette - really fun to shoot. But I wouldn't cut yours down if I were you - would probably devalue it!
lonesquid 2 months ago
Great video, I've wanted a takedown ever since I seen bullitt, but I'm going to try an find a police issue with the short barrel.
DIMEBAGJIMMY426 2 months ago
My dad's 97 shoots everytime you bring the grip forward. I am going to clean it to see if I can fix that problem.
southparkfan1027 2 months ago
@southparkfan1027 You may have an issue with the trigger sticking, or the finger is resting on the trigger when the action is cycled.
Mossy500A 1 month ago
@southparkfan1027 that is a built in feature it is supposed to do that
mattj894 2 weeks ago
Why not buy a Norico if you want to modify a 97. These guns are getting rarer all the time in their original form. Nice video just the same.
jsbyers12 2 months ago
I've got both the heat shield and the correct bayonnet for you.
hoagybob 3 months ago
Nice job on the video! Check out the movie Bullet - the hit man uses a 1897 take down and when he's finished he breaks it in half and stores each half in his coat.
Rufus3698 3 months ago
@Rufus3698 I saw that movie many years ago; it had one of the coolest car chases.
Mossy500A 2 months ago
a black man with a gun that doesent act like a tard...... Rare and fascinating
gruntspy44 4 months ago
they used it in ww2 as well
MegaTrailerparkboys 5 months ago
Are you able to get a firm hold on the gun and quickly cycle the action repeatedly without biting your hand with the bar?
RevolverPhantom 5 months ago
@RevolverPhantom Yeah, it just takes some time getting a memory-based grip on the gun, to where you don't notice the bolt coming back out the receiver.
Mossy500A 5 months ago
Recorded with a calculator...
TheBearforce 5 months ago
@TheBearforce At the time, I had to make do with what I had. Hopefully, my future videos will be better.
Mossy500A 5 months ago
Glad you told me about the slide cutting my hand before i bought one,what companies make replicas of this,if you dont know any idea where i can find out?
dasdew2 5 months ago
@dasdew2 I only know of ones mad by Norinco, Cimarron and TTN, I believe. I think the finish and surface of the originals look a lot better, compared to the other companies.
Mossy500A 5 months ago
Thanks for the video - you should check out SASS (Cowboy action shooting)...
GunnerGatlin 5 months ago
Nice gun!. There are chinese copies manufactured by Norinco.
MarquisChantdamour 8 months ago
Awesome video. I just picked one up and had no idea how to take it down.
Well done, and thanks.
EddieCoyle 9 months ago
Please, Please whatever you do, don't cut the barrel down......
verboten77 9 months ago
IMA-USA.com used to carry the heat sheild and lug that yer looking for.try them(if yer still looking fer one of course),LOL.
WWIIREBEL 11 months ago
nice shotgun how much was it? i have a repro trench gun
t328 11 months ago
Very good informative video Mossy 500A, all of your facts are correct. It's an important point you bring up about the hammer cocking mechanism moving back and mashing the user's thumb. I never thought about that till you pointed it out. I've been wanting to get a Norinco 97 (Winchester clone), so I'll have to remember to keep my big hands far enough back from that action. Still a fine shotgun that gets alot of attention from collectors and historical arms buffs like myself.
Lex5576 1 year ago
Very informative
Mrclean308 1 year ago
@Mrclean308 Thanks, I try to bring a lot of info for the viewers.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
they made these from 1897-1957, and mines from 1905, i havin been able to disamble it, it gets the pin out, pulls out, but wont twist the barrle/mag. im hoping its just cuz its 105 years old but could be jamed or not doin somthing right
chevyalltheway2013 1 year ago
@chevyalltheway2013 Try pulling out the magazine tube after you turn it, then give the gun a twist. If stuck, try using a chemical like PB Blaster to loosen it up.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
Hey Mossy thats a really nice looking shotgun you got there! the color is soo classic, did you know that germans hated that gun soo much that they would kill any marine carrying one in combat! it was a really painful death if you were unlucky enough to get hit with one of those shells!
Marzz5585 1 year ago
Man I wish I had a Trench Gun.
mobius1aic 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Nice video and beautiful gun!
I have a cal 16, it's very dirty and now I'm going to wash it but I don't know how to extract the bolt :(((
TheGne73 1 year ago
Nice video and beautiful gun!
I have a cal 16, it's very dirty and now I'm going to wash it but I don't know how to extrack the bolt :(((
TheGne73 1 year ago
Nice gun, good video. We've got a '97, built in the '30's, and have had a lot of fun with it. I think the exposed hammer is a safety feature in itself, and the half-cock is an additional safety as you stated.
ahpeih 1 year ago
How many rounds does is hold?
Deamonslayer3001 1 year ago
If the follower was shortened, it could hold six 2.75 in. shells in the magazine.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
Nice video,nice gun brother!
skaared01 1 year ago
Good video Bro....I'd love to get into collecting military shotguns someday. I have a Mossberg 500A in 20 gauge---I guess it's a start. Thanks for the vid.
tonitchit 1 year ago
Still my favorite shotgun vid
Ajacks1911 1 year ago
Thanks! I will have more videos this summer.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
@Mossy500A Could you do a video on the 1897 disassembly/reassembly? Also do you know if the new made Norincos function/disassemble the same way?
ImWatchinTheTube 1 year ago
@ImWatchinTheTube Yeah, I can do a video for assembly/disassembly. The solid frame Winchester 97s and the Norinco 97s should be the same.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
Great Video! Come shoot Cowboy Action with us down in Florida. The 97 is a prefered gun for the fast shooters.
combssa 1 year ago 2
nice gun i have a model 12 but always wanted a 97
teles4life 1 year ago
that is one sick ass gun man!
Basfoo 1 year ago
Nice gun!
SCTIMBER 1 year ago
C'mon guys, enough with the racial comments. We're in a multicultural society here in North America.
Nice review, how does it shoot?
dovid916 1 year ago
It shoots pretty well. When I had the 30 in. barrel on, it was very accurate; it had a full choke. It has a shorter barrel on now.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
@Mossy500A
No skinned thumbs yet I hope!
dovid916 1 year ago
Nah, I am careful with this piece of work.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
Very nice video, awesome gun too! if u don't mind me asking, about how much did u pay for that one? I am just trying to get a general idea of about how much i should give for one, thanks.
guitarhero30 1 year ago
$495.00.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
@Mossy500A thanks dude
guitarhero30 1 year ago
You're pretty lucky to own that gun. =)
4676CamW 1 year ago
Because most teens your age of the African American race do that.
hockey4life220 1 year ago
I am not African-American. Just American. I was also 19 when I made this video.
Mossy500A 1 year ago 16
If you say a word as big as "ignorance" your not a gangster.
hockey4life220 1 year ago
Why did you think I was one? What put that thought in your head?
Mossy500A 1 year ago
I hope you dont go around shooting cops with this.
hockey4life220 1 year ago
@hockey4life220 I hope you don't continue to show your ignorance to others, either.
Mossy500A 1 year ago
Great review
angryfishmonger 1 year ago
"We'll get a trench gun"....accompanied by shit eating grin...lol....love it.
Iraqveteran8888 2 years ago
You describe the mechanism perfectly in terms of the way it "slam fires"
I understand that it is a common term, but the sear is directly controlled by the trigger provided the weapon is in battery which is not "slam firing" but "hand assisted full auto"
Iraqveteran8888 2 years ago 2
Just like Lee Enfield rifles. FULL AUTO Bolt action rifles...
ECTBWHO 1 year ago
Hard as hell on it to let the hammer drop on an empty chamber (@ 1:07). I know that was for display purposes but if you gotta release the hammer hold it while pulling the trigger and let it down gently. Tough old gun but you want it to last forever don't you? Nice gun though, bro.
trebdude1 2 years ago
Impressive shotgun...one of the best....a real piece of American HISTORY!!!!
robyr77 2 years ago
sympa le fusil
TheMOSER111 2 years ago
Man i have this shotgun and when i try to pump it, its locked or somethin, and if i push forward it works. Is that soposed to happen, seems like a flaw to me.
chevyalltheway2013 2 years ago
It is not flawed. When the gun is fired, the action lock is disenganged by the recoil. Sometimes you may have to slide the pump forward, but it is not broken.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
i really liked this video... you are a really like..idk..wats teh word....interesting talker...liek u cept me interested:)!
LiftedElephant 2 years ago
I just picked up one of these myself. Amazing how a 113 year old design STILL is sufficient for combat, home defense, and hunting. Keep shooting and thanks for the video!
krookedshocker 2 years ago
A.K.A a trench gun i think
AnarchistAttackTV 2 years ago
that was cool
arkive54 2 years ago
I forgot to mention... nicely articulated info in this little video. Keep making and posting them as you acquire pieces for your collection.
southdakotaslim 2 years ago
Rather than cut the existing barrel, purchase an already shortened barrel/magazine tube assembly for a 12 ga takedown model. Mate it to your receiver/buttstock assembly, in that way you won't destroy your original gun. Purchase a repro heatshield, sling and 1917 remington bayonet from IMA and you will have a nice representattive trench gun. Just my 2 cents.
southdakotaslim 2 years ago
nice man! what did that run ya? I collect the oldies. Don't do any mod!!!!!
bulkfull 2 years ago
Cost $495 that day. I got replacement parts for the modification.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
dont modify it, its over 100 years old. Dont ruin an original
roberto298 2 years ago 2
thanks for sharing :)
em23 2 years ago
I shure hope you find the heatshield and the bayonetlug! I own two 1917 bayonets in mint condition (go for an original) for the piece, but no gun!!
1339LARS 2 years ago
Did you order your heat shield and bayonet lug from Numrich?
wickedajax 2 years ago
Very nicely done!
wickedajax 2 years ago
Just you wait, its going throught its transformation.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
numrich makes the heat shield/bayonet lug
LordCAG 2 years ago
I ordered mine from them this week.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Comment removed
wickedajax 2 years ago
Yeah.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
There is one of these in a 16 gauge down at the antique gun store in my town. Might go get it.
rebelrobz 2 years ago
Before you do, understand that 16 ga. isn't too common. They still sell them for bird loads.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
I hear ya. But I need another 12 gauge, like I need another hole in my head.. ; - ). The slightly smaller round has got me interested. Plus what you said about shortening the barrell as well. Down to the legal 18 in of course....
rebelrobz 2 years ago
I found a replacement barrel made around the same time the gun was. It's in the shop right now to be shortened to 21 inches.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
My grandpa just gave me his model 1897. What type 12ga ammo do you recommend for it?
adam2dot0 2 years ago
The shells should only be standard 2 3/4 inch. Any lite birdshot will do. Buckshot can be fired from it, but make sure you don't use magnum loads. If it has a fixed, full choke, avoid using slugs.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
What is the company that you found that makes the replacement barrels and such?
barneycalhoun1 2 years ago
Numrich arms corp. They have a website. If you get a barrel from them, check the threads to make sure the adjusting sleeve will fit. They do refunds; I had to send back their trench gun barrel because of the wrong-sized threads.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
LOOK OUT A NIGGA WITH A GUN!
MrMoo1337 2 years ago
At least I am responsible; all owners should be.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
omg wow dude props for you
you ddnt freak out AT ALL!
good job man
and love the gun
MrMoo1337 2 years ago
Thanks; they are still out there. Buy one if you can.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
@MrMoo1337
LOOK OUT A PIECE OF TRAILER PARK TRASH WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION!
invisibleink64 2 years ago
lol, I love my 97, but she sure can bite if you don't watch out. (my dad still has scars on his hand from when he was a kid) I guess if you don't mind compromising the antique value, and shortening the barrel, the trench configuration is wicked cool, especially with the bayonet. My buddy reconfigured his to the trench version, and it is a beastly looking gun. For now I've kept mine with that awkward 30 inch barrel, since I hunt alot of wood birds and rabbits.
EthanSurbaugh 2 years ago
nice guy
jhlork34 2 years ago
Beautiful gun! My dad just recently got one exactly like this! Way to go buying the original and not one of those Norinco knock-offs. I just picked up a Mossberg 500A Cruiser shotgun myself, keep it up man!
vietnamrebel 2 years ago
back in 1908 you could by one that didnt break down for 20$ and the one that breaks apart like his cost 21$
gunheadmustanglover 2 years ago
Would you be able to convert it to trench gun?
Pershingtank 2 years ago
Yes. I can order a riot barrel and the bayonet lug and heatshield online. When I have the money to do it, I will make a video of it.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Wasn't that model used in the movie Bullitt by one of the bad guys?
monkeyboy4746 2 years ago
Yeah, the hitman from the beginning and the car chase used this gun in riot gun form.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
yea im 13 and i got a 16 gauge version takedown i didnt know they were called thumb busters thx man
con46man 2 years ago
No problem.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Thanks for the awesome video on a great shotgun. Mine's a 16 gauge. Sharp shooter.
aabullet 2 years ago
Nice vid Mossy500A ! I picked up an old 1897 takedown that was in bad shape years ago. The barrel was 18 1/8 long and pretty rusty. I had to do something with it so i parkerized it last week and its looking good! (Grey like an m1 garand)Working on the wood this week. The action is smoothing out and the takedown works well. I hope to take it to a modern action shoot soon. The best school is old school!
TrenchGunTommy 2 years ago
I like to see other videos on this type of gun. Can you make one from yours?
Mossy500A 2 years ago
man..my damn 97 will not TakeDown for shit...its the same...Winchester Model 97 12 Gauge
mistawilliamz27 2 years ago
There is a page you can go to on google for help.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Thanks =D
jmk0309 2 years ago
Great video, awesome weapon! 5 stars
Ajacks1911 2 years ago
nice, kind of a collector piece wouldnt dryfire the shit out of it like that at all but thats just me and wouldnt saw the barrel or make any half ass mods
paksteel410 2 years ago
I decided not to cut the barrel, but look for a replacement.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
sounds like a better idea lol
paksteel410 2 years ago
yea that would be the best thing. ever find a bayonet??
SnipinRedneck43 2 years ago
I think I would get a repo bayonet.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
ahh.
SnipinRedneck43 2 years ago
great vid how much
pickurn 2 years ago
I paid $495.00 for it.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Cool, Video.. it actually informs alot about the Shotgun.. thx for the post..
eldementecentrino 2 years ago
Comment removed
Akaryubi 2 years ago
how many shells can U load in this model shotgun
Akaryubi 2 years ago
It varies. I was ableto put six birdshot shells in, but only five buckshot shells. I guess it depends on the manufacturer.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
M1917 bayonets are expensive. u better save up sum extra money, theyre like 300 bucks.
luverboy30 2 years ago
one of my favorite shotguns
BM4A 2 years ago
lmao the thumb buster. i just got my m97 trench gun today an my buddy already gashed is hand with it haha
KILROY9THSS 2 years ago
Got to watch out for that bolt. Does it move smooth in the receiver?
Mossy500A 2 years ago
slides like a knife threw warm butter lol
KILROY9THSS 2 years ago
You share the same concern as others, which is good; shows how many people appreciate history.
I found a company that makes trench gun barrels. I will buy one from them.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Maybe i need to read up more on shotguns, i love 'em so much, this one and the M1887 being my favorite, but what i wanna ask is wouldn't be better, considering it's an old version u got, that instead of cutting the barrel that u look for a shorter barrel to purchase for this gun? I'm pretty sure that certain companies make this gun after winchester went outta business. Just a suggestion. It's a fine piece of shotgub history, why cut it if u can buy a newer, more durable barrel anyway?
Sicilianshotgun90 2 years ago
my step da has one of those that his grandpa gave him...
2066241 2 years ago
nice gun, I've got one also but its in pretty bad shape. I didn't even know you could take it apart like that. thanks
cca67kyle 2 years ago
The solid-frame models can't, but takedown, yeah.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa!!!!!!!!
gosmokesome 2 years ago
What's funny?
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Very nice gun mossy! always been a fan of the 1897! i want to try to find one at the next gun show. take care of that shotgun!
cudachall 2 years ago
Thanks and good luck!
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Ahh man awesome shotgun!!!
taintedcookie 2 years ago
I mean it's not that I am a fraidy cat and would be one for not shooting it.
It's the same thing as a last ditch Japanese rifle you just shouldn't shoot it.
biohazard198 2 years ago
I have shot it a few weeks ago, and it performs great. The only thing that needs to be fixed is the left-hand extractor. It is well- worn and causes the shotgun to jam sometimes. Slam fire is a hoot to do; can't wait until I get the trench gun barrel for it!
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Again, the earliest the gun could be is about 60 years. The metallurgy for shotguns is different from todays. Also they had a problem with heat treating 1903 rifles, I wouldn't be surprised if these had problems too.
biohazard198 2 years ago
wait, i didn't mean winchester 94 i ment 87
Zombei467 2 years ago
I'll reiterate what someone said before, if you want a trench gun buy a Norinco copy. They are as good if not better due to the advances in metallurgy. I just bought one a few days ago. I would feel a lot more comfortable shooting this one, especially slam firing it than an older one.
They are hard to find, last time I checked about a couple of thousands made it into the U.S. with a few hundred being slam-fire capable. I got one. :-)
Alas, they are to specs for a trench gun.
biohazard198 2 years ago
i haven't shot either one, so i don't really know but i think i'd like the winchester 1894 better.
Zombei467 2 years ago
The rifle, or the 1897 shotgun?
Mossy500A 2 years ago
i meant 1887 SHOTGUN.
Zombei467 2 years ago
Another John Browning successful design. Again designed for black powder.
Even though the pressure is significantly less, again I wouldn't shoot any of those old shotguns.
The 1897 shotgun was made for "modern loads" but again it's just one of those things that even if you feel comfortable doing it you probably still shouldn't shoot it.
biohazard198 2 years ago
Zombei467,
Why would you want a black powder shotgun which was obsolete for the loads a few years after it came out?
It was the first successful pump action gun, by my all time hero, John Browning. However, you cannot shoot modern loads, and they recommend you don't even shoot them at all due to their manufacture and metallurgy.
biohazard198 2 years ago
thank you, i did not know this. now. i think that i rather have the trench gun.
Zombei467 2 years ago
Nice 97. Blueing looks decent. I buy 97's every chance I can get my hands on a good one. Congrats on owning a real mans shotgun.
14Dollar 2 years ago
Also, if you like 97's, I recommend you search out an old Ithaca model 37(1937). Heavy, nostalgic, war proven, worth every penny.
14Dollar 2 years ago
Shot one last week in 20 ga. for skeet.
Mossy500A 2 years ago
Thanks for your comment, but don't worry. I will not cut this barrel down with a saw. I found a company that sells new takedown extensions, trench gun barrels, and heatshield bayonet lugs. I will buy those parts, but still keep the originals.
Mossy500A 3 years ago
Edward! I like what you've got man! That's a very nice shotgun! I must say though that you SHOULD NOT modify it! The standard M1897's are becoming so rare now that modifying this one would be very wasteful! I would keep looking for an actual Trench Gun, and then I would buy it. Not only that, but I would also look into purchasing one with the shortened barrel, but no heat shield or bayonette lug. Those were the Riot Guns, for police and prison guards. That way you'd have a full set!
theknightsofbarwick 3 years ago
sweet purchase .!.
mrblink09 3 years ago
in the uk gun law is incredibly strict due to the pussys of our govt but u can get these with a shotgun licence but they have to be restricted to only hold 3 rounds in the barrel just like any other semi auto. im considering speaking to a "contact" to get me one of these
thescallykiller 3 years ago
Cool, good luck on getting a 1897 on that market. I hope you can find the military model and show up those punks in your government.
Mossy500A 3 years ago
Nice video, you explain the gun pretty well to people who have no idea how its mechanism works.
modderfreak 3 years ago
Thanks, I had to do some research on my own before I bought the gun. I wish more modern shotguns can be taken down like this one.
Mossy500A 3 years ago
I have a 1920 Model 1897 12 gauge. It is a full chocked 30 inch barrel take down model. I Bought it for 400 bucks. The bluing is pretty bad on the barrel and it could stand to be restored. It has an extremely slick action- it requires no effort to cycle. After I find a reasonably priced Model 12 my shotgun collection will be complete.
spencermcgrew 3 years ago
I plan on buying a model 12 also.
Mossy500A 3 years ago
These guns were 100-150 bucks a few years ago, but too many people got the same idea as you and modified them, making originals rare. Then cowboy action shooters started chopping up the rest, hence why you had to pay that much for yours. Now the Stevens guns are smooth, designed by John Browning(same designer as the 1897 win), and easier to work on. They were used along with the 1897 and model 12 Winchesters, and the Remington 17 in WW1.
Adler1945 3 years ago
I found out why the bolt is jamming. The chamber ring on the left side is worn out; it was a disassembly screw up on my part. I am going to have it replaced with a new one.
Mossy500A 3 years ago
These guns were not the smoothest to begin with, which is why the Winchester model 12 was developed. Also the machining on these is not as precise as on modern guns, so even if you do find a barrel and mag assembly, it would require extensive fitting most likely. If you really want an authentic trench gun for cheap, look for a Stevens 520 also sold under the Westernfield model 30. They are cheap, plentiful, and the barrel shroud and bayo lug are the same.
Adler1945 3 years ago