Winchester 1897 inertia lock question

[Patrick crum]

Hi, I've got a question regarding the "inertia lock" on a Winchester 1897.
I've had this gun for about 6 years, it is a 1928 take-down model and is in really good condition. I've used it for trap and small game successfully, and it's never given me issue. With that said, I was watching a youtube video on the history of them (Specifically the "riot gun", but mine is a full length barrel), and learned that the action should stay locked up if the hammer is let down, (or dry-fired), and a slight forward push is needed to unlock it, unless there is some recoil to cause this to happen. Mine does not do this. It locks up when the hammer is back, or on half cock, and the release button also works when it is at full cock.
I did some searching here, as well as in google, but can only find references to people having issues with them NOT unlocking.
I would like to get it working properly, assuming that it's not safe this way. She is a really sweet shooter, and I'd like to continue using her.
FWIW, I do have the PDF "takedown manual" and have done a full disassembly of her but can't figure out what is amiss here. (I'm a fairly decent hobbyist gunsmith, but have no experience with the m97).
Any advice is appreciated!

 

[hawk shooter]

Look at the action slide lock. Pushing the slide forward manually to simulate recoil, this lock moves out of the way so you can work the action. Your lock is malfunctioning, probably stuck in the unlocked position.
Try posting over on the SASS Wire Forums, there's a ton of Model 97 knowledge there.

 

[Big Bore 44]

Sounds to me like it's working like it should. The slide lock button is supposed to release the slide whenever pushed. If it locks up after it's racked, it's working right. If you can slow rack it, then open it without pushing the button, you have a problem.

 

[Patrick crum]

Yes the slide lock button and the slide locking with the hammer back or at full cock is functioning. But the inertia lock is not The slide should be locked with the hammer down as well, but this is overcome by a very slight forward movement of the slide. In firing, the recoil of the shotgun is enough to unlock it, but if the hammer is let down (de-cocked or dry fired) it should stay locked as well.

 

[Big Bore 44]

I guess I'm not understanding the problem. You're saying "de-cocking or dry firing" unlocks the slide? Any chance you are providing the "slide movement"? Point the shotgun up and pull the trigger while holding the gun one handed, to see if it unlocks. Then if it does, look very closely at the locking block/ receiver interface. It has been a few decades since I've been into a M97.

 

[Big Bore 44]

After further review of the schematic,,,check the slide lock spring, pin and locking recess.

 

[Patrick crum]

I guess I'm not understanding the problem. You're saying "de-cocking or dry firing" unlocks the slide? Any chance you are providing the "slide movement"? Point the shotgun up and pull the trigger while holding the gun one handed, to see if it unlocks. Then if it does, look very closely at the locking block/ receiver interface. It has been a few decades since I've been into a M97.

OK, so I investigated it some more. If I point it upwards and drop the trigger without touching the slide, it does appear to be unlocked after that. I then tried the same, but put downward pressure on the slide. When I did this, the action stays locked up, but as soon as I let off pressure it unlocks. I'm thinking that something, either the action lock bar, or the slide bar is worn? It think it remains locked when firing, so maybe it's fine like it is?
Thanks for the reply!