doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Win. 1897 as a serious duck gun?

Lots here about strength and improvements over the years:
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1897>
...Geo

As I recall Roy Dunlap, Arizona Gunsmith & author of a book "Gunsmithing" stated the model 97 action was strong enough to be barreled for a .30-06. He didn't per-se recommend it, but strength wasn't the factor. The model 93 which preceded it was a different story.
Anyone interested in the '97 should be sure & try to read Nash Buckingham's "De Shootn'est Gent'man". In this story he talks about an Englishman's (Mr Money) use of a 97 to great effect on Ducks.

I've read that story more than "one'st", Miller. Thanks for the input on the strength of the action. It's sounding better and better.

Thanks for those references too, Geo.

Were none made with a ribbed barrel?

SRH

No reason not to use one for ducks. You just have to use the correct non-toxic load for them. Bismuth should be fine.

I own several 97's including two with the Damascus barrel option. Some day I'm going to work up a NT load for the Damascus guns and take some ducks with them.

If I were shopping for a '97 to shoot, I'd check the serial number/date chart and pick a number representing say post 1950. I think one that late would have all the improvements and that would make me feel safer shooting it...Geo

So, when were the last improvements made, and what were they? Is it possible to say that after such and such a year, the '97s were at their best/strongest?

SRH

Ackley chambered the 1897 in 30/40 Krag, Mike Petrov told me all about it. &#128512; The 97' is a very strong gun.
I own a 16 gauge 1897 circa 1914, factory modified bbl. I kill a few ducks a year with it. A few years ago when I lived in Nebraska, I used my 97' a lot. From early Teal to January mallards. I'd say it's a pretty serious duck gun.

I've had a couple, strength is the last thing I would worry about if I were buying a new one, I think they were all good. My biggest consideration would be stock dimensions.
The only issue I'm aware of with them is poor ejection. Sometimes a new ejector will fix it, sometimes the problem is the left extractor, it has a long tail which can crack, or I suppose it can wear, but it isn't obvious. When this happens, empties just sort of dribble out the ejection port. Its an easy fix, but you'd be surprised how many gunsmiths fail to figure it out.
If I saw one I liked and had the money I'd just buy it, I think they're wonderful guns.

Tim

I have #2182xx here. Great grandfather's gun from the farm.

Madis says 1904.

It's tight, even the takedown system is tight. That's where I've seen older ones get lose. The bore is very pitted, but there's enough 'beef' that I consider it safe with reasonable target loads.

The carrier is also the locking piece. It's a big chunk of machine work that locks into the breech bolt about half it's diameter. It may be the strongest shotgun action I've seen.

They are great fun, and a direct link to The Master himself.

Do remember, they have 97 moving parts, you can slam fire for flock shooting and the Black Diamond trap guns are the only ones with real value.
When you tire of shooting duck you can saw it off at 18" for the home defense plan. Kachunk!
I prefer M-12s but have a real fondness for 1897s as well and still shoot a round back pump .22.