Wonchester '97 12 gauge

DeltaRed · Dec 22, 2012

Been wanting a '97 for years.Found one in a local gun shop.Made in 1905,"trench gun"(20" barrel,open choke),execelent/perfect shape,low usage.$600.00.Opinions?

sixtyninegmc · Dec 22, 2012

Can`t use modern magnum shells, and I think they are 2 3/4 only, no 3" shells, and no steel shot, but other than that they are a kick in the pants. I had a norinco repop, and my dad has my great grandpas `97, both are fun to shoot, and they are a tad shorter than a newer pump. For $600, I would jump on it. I like guns with character. Oh, and remember to keep your right thumb out from under the bolt! Only do that once....

ihredo4 · Dec 22, 2012

Can't comment on the 12ga as I had a 16ga. Wonderful gun to shoot. Been years ago that I let it go but I remember that bolt also. LOL Beings it has the shorter barrel it will swing a bit easier or faster I would think. I'd go for it. Can't wait to get another

Kenneth R Ohnstad · Dec 22, 2012

I'd be careful...sounds like an assault weapon to me.
k

doubleN · Dec 22, 2012

What sixtyninegmc said below.

Bret4207 · Dec 22, 2012

It's probably worth it. And it probably will be an assault weapon one day.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 22, 2012

Had one once--around here they call them "THE WIDOW MAKER"-----Known to go off all by themselves!

jm. · Dec 22, 2012

Early 1960 I was working on a beer truck , go in bar early Sat morning (remember like it was yesterday) Bar owner says money is tight I need three cases of beer ($ 3.50 a case) and I have this shotgun I want to trade. Never see anything like it bolt came out the back when you pumped it. Long story short I traded and when I got back to the warehouse to check up my dad liked to had a hise. Mede me pay ever penny of the bill. Still have that Model 97 today. It FOLLOW some times but more often when you are really pumping it fast. I have used it duck hunting , 30 in full choke, nickel steel barrel. I guess it proves guns are a pretty good investment now that it might be worth over $ 600.00 In life I became a winchester man and managed to collect about 30 model 12s & the 410 version Model 42.

oldtanker · Dec 22, 2012

My dad said those were called the "thumb buster" back in the day. He had a scar on his thumb.

Rick

Red1 · Dec 22, 2012

Bought a really nifty wrist rocket slingshot the other day...smacked a squirrel that was eating out of the birdfeeder..that'll teach the sucker!!

Badger bob · Dec 22, 2012

Steve no trench gun bilt till ww1. it sounds like a riot gun . at $600.00 thats a very good deal nomater witch gun it is. let us know what it is wen you find out for shur. thanks Bob

Scott 730 · Dec 22, 2012

Is it a real trench gun with the hand guard, flaming bomb and other gov't markings on it, or just another 97 that someone whacked the barrel off????

$600 is a steal for a legitimate trench gun.

$600 is highway robbery for a cob job.

Bill of TN · Dec 22, 2012

That"s a real prize for a cowboy action shooter. There"s a Chinese copy that sells like hot cakes to that crowd.

Check gunbroker.com and gunsamerica.com and see what they"re asking for them.

RGMartin · Dec 22, 2012

(quoted from post at 09:24:15 12/22/12) Had one once--around here they call them "THE WIDOW MAKER"-----Known to go off all by themselves!

That is the moniker for the Marlin 1898.

wilson ind · Dec 22, 2012

I though knew something about guns however just dont know what a repop is sure not any around here. must be semiautomatic??

Larry-Tx · Dec 22, 2012

My cousin had one, he was puttin shells in then closed the action and it went off, he almost had a fatel accident.

mjbrown · Dec 22, 2012

Old Winchesters won't go down in value if bought fair and in good shape.

RN · Dec 22, 2012

"repop" misspell of "Repro", shortened from "reproduction"= copy. Or some other???? Considering spell check for 'Wonchester" didn't change it. Teasing Alert!! RN

Flannelman · Dec 22, 2012

(quoted from post at 10:12:42 12/22/12) Is it a real trench gun with the hand guard, flaming bomb and other gov't markings on it, or just another 97 that someone whacked the barrel off????

$600 is a steal for a legitimate trench gun.

$600 is highway robbery for a cob job.

I'd second that. If it is a riot gun(no vented hand guard and gov't markings) that is still a decent price but my guess that its a riot gun in that nice of shape. I think its more likely to be a refinished gun or a Norico repro which while neither are terrible they aren't original and not worth $600.

On another note I have seen that regular 1897 prices are up as of late. We have a 1915 take down 12ga and I saw one in worse shape at Cabelas for $450 so the 1897 is getting some more attention as of late. So if it was a moded it still is probably worth $400 or so.

GordoSD · Dec 22, 2012

My Dad shot one when I was 10 years old and got my first gun.(1950) He told me he bought it during the dirty thirties for three two dollar bills. He left it on the front fender of our 54 Ford on day, and when we took off he said "oh oh" or words like that

and hit the brakes. That's when the gun slid off and he finished up the damage by driving over it.
Good ridance. I don't know how many time he laced his thumb open with it.

barnE · Dec 22, 2012

Sawcopies in gun shows about 15 yyears ago. Japanese. Loked good 400 dollars then. Dave

barnE · Dec 22, 2012

Sawcopies in gun shows about 15 yyears ago. Japanese. Loked good 400 dollars then. Dave

Wonchester '97 12 gauge

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Similar threads