1897 field report

[mavracer]

A few months ago I started a thread about my step grandfathers 1897 winchester it was made in 1908.it had been shot (probably a lot) early in its life but grandpa Jack wasn't much of a hunter I assume it was inherated by him from a uncle,he was born in '07.well anyway it had gone neglected for many years before it fell in my possesion,and I've had it for 15-20 years.a reacent interest in cowboy shooting led me to have it repaired so I could shoot it.last weekend I was invited to go phesant hunting with my father,uncle and cousins in South Dakota,I haven't got to go with them for a few years due to hunting conditions and loss of available ground.I'm very glad I got to go this is the first dads got to hunt with his new knees(it was humbling to see him walk a field again).anyway I had a good hunt even limeted out with the old 16 guage.Other than a couple(embarrasing/frustrating) shortsuckings the gun worked flawlessly.very natural to the shoulder,just gotta remeber to cock the hammer:banghead:

 

[Pump Gun Pimp]

Glad you like your '97. I love mine. Nothing like owning a Winchester Pump Gun. You can't help but smile when you use them...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks for that. You've paid your PETP dues.

For those coming in late, People for the Ethical Treatment of Pumpguns is a service organization dedicated to rescuing old pumpguns, rehabilitating them and returning them to service.

Doing a 97 is very good Karma.....

 

[mavracer]

Dave,

It's kinda neet to think when it was new Teddy was in charge and there were no income tax.

 

[Dave McCracken]

We could sure use Teddy now. Use your fine shotgun in memory of people and times now gone.

And, a few more hunts and range days should see those technique gltches dissipate.

 

[TSK/MN]

1897

Hello,

This is my first post here and it's nice to be able to do it on a thread about the 1897 pump gun. A while back I took possession of an old take down 12ga.-#C837xx, made in 1899 according to the list of mfg. dates I have. It was cheap and in tough shape, cracked butt stock, loose barrel to receiver, no fore stock, bound up action. After a complete cleaning (it was the dirtiest old gun I have ever seen) and check-up the action functions smoothly and locks up nice and snug. There was still adjustment enough left to tighten the barrel to receiver. Barrel is marked "CYL" and the bore has some pits but nothing too bad, sadly, it was cut back shorter than I care for so I will get a new barrel on it this winter. I am now in the process of making new wood for it. With the new wood and eventually the new barrel it won't be a collector but it will sure be fun to use. I'll probably use just black powder loads in it but were these guns designed for smokeless?

It looks like lots of interesting topics and information here-glad I stopped by.

TSK

 

[goon]

IIRC some '97's saw use during WWII. If they were in use that late, you would think that smokeless powder must have been used in them.

Anyone?

 

[Dave McCracken]

TSK, welcome. Your efforts are commendable, however....

I'm extremely loath to shoot any shotgun, even a JMB design, made before WWII without a smith going over it first.

Pitting takes away barrel metal, oft where none can be spared. I've seen a few pitted barrels that have ruptured.

99 times out of 100 there's enough metal left to handle any reasonable load, but the penalty for that one time is at least a ruined shotgun and oft am injured shooter.

Once a smith you trust has given a green light, your 97 should handle any modern field load using lead or bismuth shot.

FWIW, in 1970 a well worn 97 was part of our equipment in SEA and was a real comfort on guard duty. I would not be surprised if some weren't in Iraq right now doing yeoman service.

 

[TSK/MN]

'97 Winchester

Mr. McCracken,

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I have been soaking the bore with solvent over the past few days and have removed lots of lead fouling. I first thought most of the "darkness" was going to be leading but once I had that mostly removed, it was still dark and very rough and some pits are too deep to risk ever shooting it with that barrel. I"ll let her sit until I get a new barrel installed. Neither the shotgun or I will have any fun if it blows and takes my hand (or more) with it! Thanks again.

TSK

 

[Dave McCracken]

Whew....

You're very welcome....