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Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 47

A co-worker showed me his deceased father's 16 gauge Winchester Model 97 this week. (He isn't a hunter or shooter, and it lives in a closet.) Gun has a 30" full choke barrel, maybe 50% original finish on the metal, shiny bore, 70% on the wood, and corncob forend. Serial # is 8588xx E.

1. Anyone know what year it was made?

2. About what is is worth as-is?

3. Are 16 gauge Model 97's rare?

4. Would you have it professionally refinished, or leave as-is?

Thanks.

JERRY

*Last edited by brdhnt on Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:43 am; edited 1 time in total*

Jerry

1. 1937

2. In the area of $400-$500 (buy), $600-$750 (sell).

3. Relatively. THey add 25% according to the Blue Book.

4. Leave as is. These guns have more value to collectors in original shape.

Is it marked with a 2 3/4 " chamber? I don't know what year Winchester made the 2 3/4" chamber standard in the 16 gauge. Prior to that they were with 2 9/16" chambers.

Hope this helps.

TMB
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Thats a good gun , grab it. I'd try not to go over $500, but. Don't think a 1937 will be chambered 2 3/4" but it don't matter cause if you shoot 2 3/4" in it your not gonna have a problem. You can pull the barrel and measure the chamber or get a smith to do it. My answer to are they rare is that 16's are gettin rare in 97's. I started my shotgun life shooting a 97 as a big gangling 10 year old kid with my Dad and Grand Dan. It thought me all about recoil Exclamation

Member Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 258 Location: Nordern MN

I also discourage refurbishing shotguns - takes all the character away, and they are only ORIGINAL once.

I would think a 30" barrel would be rare, most were probably 28".

They are great guns, but you gotta be careful w/ the hammer!!! (remember half cock is "safety" and be very careful w/ muzzle when releasing a cocked hammer.)

NR

Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 47

Thanks for the prompt responses.

JERRY

Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Location: N.E. Michigan

Winchester started chambering 16 gauges for 2 3/4" shells during the 1927 production year. You are good to go with any 16 gauge factory loaded ammo available today. The model 1897 is actually stronger the the model 12 Winchester. Winchester took a standard model 1897 off the production line on March 13, 1914 for ballistics testing. The gun was fired continuously for 29 years, firing 1,247,000 shells, the shotgun threw the same patterns after 29 years as it did in the beginning. The only repairs that were made were a firing pin and spring one time. Those old guns were built to last! I've got one built in 1927 that still locks up like a bank vault. The only weak spot on the 1897 is the trigger sear, have it checked or you may find it firing every time you slam the slide forward, which it will anyway if you hold the trigger down.

Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 21 Location: akron, ohio

I would love to have that gun as a goose buster!