Model 97 value?

[KodiakBeer]

Somebody has offered me a Model 97 for $800. The price isn't firm, but I don't know how much wiggle room there is.

It's an early one built in 1901 (according to the seller) and looks almost new. Of course it's refinished, but well done. It appears mechanically perfect with little internal wear that I could see and the wood looks good.

So, what is a good price for a nice refinished model 97?

 

[ReloaderFred]

The best Model 97 I've bought was also the cheapest. It was made in 1954 and had less than a case of shells through it. It had spent a lot of years in a saddle scabbard, but hadn't been shot much. The seller felt bad about asking $150.00 for it, but I didn't haggle with him. This was just last year.

The most I've paid was $450 for a Black Diamond Trap Model 97, in pretty good used condition. Of the seven Model 97's I've got right now, that was the highest priced one. Most were in the $300 to $400 range for good solid guns.

My wife shoots one that was made in 1899, which is a solid frame gun. Her backup gun is also a solid frame gun, but has been refinished and is very sound. I paid $400 for that gun, but it was in with 6 other firearms that I bought at the same time in a package deal.

Check out the gun and make sure the frame isn't cracked where the barrel fits into it. Also check the lugs on the end of the action bar, as those get worn. Another area to check is the inside of the magazine tube and make sure it doesn't have severe rust in there, along with a broken follower spring. Also, check to see if it's been rechambered for modern 2 3/4" shells with star crimps, and isn't still chambered for 2 5/8" shells with roll crimps.

If it's a take down gun, make sure the fit between the frame and barrel assembly is tight. There should be no play between the two pieces. There is an adjustment cog on the inside for taking up any slack. You'll want to make sure there is still some adjustment left on the cog.

It's been my experience that take down guns go for more than solid frame guns, though women usually prefer the solid frame, since the reach to the forearm is about an inch shorter.

For me, it would have to be an exceptional gun, that I really wanted, before I would pay $800.00 for it. I've found that patience, and letting the word out that you're interested in that model will bring them to you for a reasonable price.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[KodiakBeer]

That does help - thanks! I guess I'll pass unless the "wiggle room" goes down to about $500 or so.

 

[mach1.3]

I have an old model 97 16ga. takedown gun. External hammer and probably only 10-20% of the original blueing intact. No idea when the gun was made. It was my grandfather's regular field gun. Probably won't refinish the gun since it reminds me of older times as it is. I will check for chambering and excessive wear for safety before attempting to fire the gun. Thanks for the info.

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you want to list the serial number, I can look up the manufacture date for you. You can leave off the last three numbers, i.e.: 234XXX.

The Model 97 was only produced in 12 gauge and 16 gauge.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Red Cent]

What RF said. I have owned a number of 97s and still have five, two are solid frames. Most were purchased/sold in the 4-500 range. I paid $800. for an alledged unfired M97. Since I shoot cowboy, a 30" full choke, mint 97 is a wall hanger. Sold it to another who had more money than me and he had it cut down to 20", action job, and it ran great.
$350/600.00 depending on condition here in NC. Solid frames will be in the upper portion of the $$ range depending on condition. Tuned up, they are very nice.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Thanks all! I suspected the figure was high, but since I didn't know what the actual value was I didn't want to start haggling. I'll stop in and look at it again, but I think I'll let it stew for a while so as not to appear eager. If I can get him south of $500, I'll take it. I suspect that's too big a bridge to gap, so... maybe another will come along one day.

By the way, it's a cylinder choke but has a barrel in the neighborhood of 26". If I get it, I'm going to have it cut down to 18 or 20 inches and use it for general home defense and bear carry.