The_Next_Generation
Member
Hey everyone,
Picked up this old 97 today. It’s definitely a “brown” gun, and seems to function fine. Planning on taking it out shooting soon once I address the crack developing in the stock just behind the receiver…will probably end up refinishing the stock when I do that since it’s pretty oil-soaked and the glue won’t want to stick to it. Acetone soak to start, right?
Unfortunately, it looks like the gun was subjected to some rough steel wool or sandpaper on the flat side of the receiver. Most of the old patina is still present, but the numerous hairline scratches in a single direction make me wonder if bubba got a hold of this thing at some point since it’s 1930-1931 production date..the condition of some of the screws would corroborate that theory as well.
Looks to be a 26” barrel. I have a 28” Wingmaster and it’s about 2” shorter than that. That said, the Wingmaster might have a 30” barrel, I don’t have a dowel rod at this time to measure it. I was considering chopping the 97 barrel to 20” to make it similar to the riot model, but with the non-standard barrel (Mod vs Full choke) I’m thinking I’ll leave it alone.
$380 plus tax seemed like an ok price for what I think is a cool historical shotgun, even if it needs some TLC.
What do you guys think?
Cheers.
Link to Flickr album since they won’t upload from my iPhone: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAu6nB
Picked up this old 97 today. It’s definitely a “brown” gun, and seems to function fine. Planning on taking it out shooting soon once I address the crack developing in the stock just behind the receiver…will probably end up refinishing the stock when I do that since it’s pretty oil-soaked and the glue won’t want to stick to it. Acetone soak to start, right?
Unfortunately, it looks like the gun was subjected to some rough steel wool or sandpaper on the flat side of the receiver. Most of the old patina is still present, but the numerous hairline scratches in a single direction make me wonder if bubba got a hold of this thing at some point since it’s 1930-1931 production date..the condition of some of the screws would corroborate that theory as well.
Looks to be a 26” barrel. I have a 28” Wingmaster and it’s about 2” shorter than that. That said, the Wingmaster might have a 30” barrel, I don’t have a dowel rod at this time to measure it. I was considering chopping the 97 barrel to 20” to make it similar to the riot model, but with the non-standard barrel (Mod vs Full choke) I’m thinking I’ll leave it alone.
$380 plus tax seemed like an ok price for what I think is a cool historical shotgun, even if it needs some TLC.
What do you guys think?
Cheers.
Link to Flickr album since they won’t upload from my iPhone: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAu6nB