I'll start by saying that I do not own anything pump action or lever action, so both of these would be interesting for me to own.
I'm fairly set that I'd like to purchase one of these two guns, likely a Norinco repro (if I purchase in the near future) or the real deal (if I save up). Though if I get the 1897, I'd prefer the "trench gun" model, as I'd like a shotgun with a shorter barrel for home defense (a 30"-barrel Remington is just a bit too big). Plus, at least with owning the Winchester, I'd get the pleasure of owning a piece of history.
I'd like to know if anyone owns any of these guns (Winchester or Norinco), and what your opinion is of them. Am I better off saving up for the Winchester-produced models, or are the Norinco ones "just as good"?
I'm fairly set that I'd like to purchase one of these two guns, likely a Norinco repro (if I purchase in the near future) or the real deal (if I save up). Though if I get the 1897, I'd prefer the "trench gun" model, as I'd like a shotgun with a shorter barrel for home defense (a 30"-barrel Remington is just a bit too big). Plus, at least with owning the Winchester, I'd get the pleasure of owning a piece of history.
I'd like to know if anyone owns any of these guns (Winchester or Norinco), and what your opinion is of them. Am I better off saving up for the Winchester-produced models, or are the Norinco ones "just as good"?