Any thoughts on this Winchester model 1897?

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ValuableUseful7835@reddit

I wish I had one with the heat shield (cod WAW has burned the trench gun into my brain

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thickhomie9000@reddit

Maybe try negotiate 350 that’s a banging deal

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Do you think it’s better to refinish it or just to clean it and keep it as it is?

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On one hand some people dig that patina and keep it as is . Other would say restore it . You can go either way this gun is a cheap beater . If you are into DIY watch backyard ballistics video on the 1897 as well as his DIY rust bluing .

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Yeah l would like to restore it. I just didn’t want to ruin any potential value but this gun is not in that good shape anyway, so might be better idea to make it nice and shiny again.

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

It’s $325 actually * not sure why such a low price?

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thickhomie9000@reddit

Ask them if it fires, function check it .It’ll be fine likely. It’s just an old ass beat to shit 97. They were widely produced and not worth as much as people think.

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Seems like it functions fine. Not test fired. I was just wondering if it’s worth buying for $325? Looks like a cool piece.

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Scared-Comparison870@reddit

Personally I would snatch that right up for $325

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Turd-Ferguson1918@reddit

Yeah even as a wall hanger that’s a bargain

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ArizonaGunCollector@reddit

Definitely worth it

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nannerpuss74@reddit

this, people buy them because the "slamfire" ability neat trick but can cause excessive wear on the the firearm.

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Begle1@reddit

Bitchin patina. Too bad somebody marred the receiver in a vise.

Price on these seems to be going up. You can check Gunbroker for comparables.

I'd buy it reflexively for $400 provided it cycled smooth and the interior wasn't coated in rust. But I want one to cut way down on both ends and use it for Cowboy Action. I think CAS is the primary market driver for these, and the sport is slowly dying but nobody is making repro 97's either.

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

It’s $325 actually * Yeah l know, too bad they damaged it, but it’s a still cool piece. I would keep it, maybe shoot it once or twice

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BigDad53@reddit

I’d consider getting it refinished. The patina is pretty much f’ked up anyway.

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Yeah I’m thinking about it. Might be a good idea to do it

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Miserable_Surround17@reddit

nice ! Parkerize it & make it a trench gun

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SPECTREagent700@reddit

Shotguns do not belong in the trenches. I cannot think of one war/one shotgun that was skillful but most importantly, FUN to use. It is a weapon put in war for the sole purpose of catering to cowards. - Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1917

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Miserable_Surround17@reddit

I hope this is some form of sarcasm. 1. Fun? for killing? 2. the Germans called our shotguns "barbaric weapons" & if we didn't stop using them, they'd kill US POWs - The US ambassador in Switzerland replied "barbaric, & you started the use of poison gas & flamethrowers, & we have many more German POWs, so let's drop the subject"

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SPECTREagent700@reddit

https://x.com/crimsix/status/1304511636254920707?s=46&t=tP1qeA0oIP6OZwJLoOME9g

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Atholthedestroyer@reddit

Nice enough that I'd be happy displaying it, but worn enough I'd have no worries about using it.

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Ok-Fig-675@reddit

I paid $400 for one in almost the exact same condition a few years ago and if I found the one you're holding for $325 I'd definitely get it just to have a second, I did a trenchgun conversion on mine since numrich finally got the heatshields back in stock and it's awesome but I kinda want a second one to shoot skeet with too.

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docthrobulator@reddit

Definitely one of the shotguns of all time

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bimmerboi2@reddit

I know this store.

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SLON_1936@reddit

I would look down the barrel first. That's usually the most critical part.

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Inside it looks pretty good

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spizzlemeister@reddit

someone correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it common for people to get "bitten" by the part of the mechanism shoots out the back (I think it cocks the hammer if there's a word pls tell me). overall beautiful gun and I'd buy this in aa heartbeat. when you look at this and then something like the KSG its insane to see how far, even just aesthetically and cosmetically, firearms and even only pump action shotguns have come.

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AndrewWhite97@reddit

Sexy.

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whitecollarredneck@reddit

I'd buy it! They're fun. I'm not sure how accurate this list is, but the serial number could put it at a 1911 manufacture date

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Mc1389@reddit (OP)

Thanks for checking!

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FeedbackOther5215@reddit

For under $400 I’d have already bought it, disassembled it and given it the gentle cleaning that poor old thing deserves. Then off for some light target loads!

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