I have 3 1897's that I use mostly for cowboy shooting, a Chinese one (and the parts are NOT interchangeable), an E model in 12 gauge with a 30" barrel choked modified and a C model 16 gauge 30" barrel choked full.
I would definitely recommend getting the E model. Some will hold 6 in the tube, some will hold 5. A 97 does not like to be babied, if you baby it, that's when you'll get jams and hang ups. Ejection problems not related to the gun being babied are usually one of 2 things, the left hand extractor is broken, which you can tell with the bolt open, if you don't see the tail of the spring or it isn't under tension, the extractor spring is broken. The ejected is a little spring that is on the left side and is held in place by a screw. If the tab is bent too far back, there isn't enough energy to eject the shell.
Last edited by Chantry; 09/27/16 08:59 AM.
