Well I finally closed on the deal for my Winchester model 1897 shotgun. Overall it’s in really good condition, and a great deal for $100. I went ahead and contacted Rose action sports about having work done to the barrel. But I need to make sure that it’s all functioning before I send anything out. Is there any concerns of putting a few rounds of light bird shot through the gun? I’ll have the chamber opened up to two and three-quarter when the barrel work is done. But I wanna make sure there’s no other issues before sending it out for work.
Overall the whole gun is in pretty good condition. The forearm is cracked down the whole length, so I’ll probably track down a replacement part. This will be a budget build and I’m hoping to try Duracoat or Brownell‘s cold blue after I pull this old paint off. I’ve been watching a few videos on how to restore the stock as well, and looking forward to trying the method of steaming to pull up some of the dents. The wood is really attractive overall and I’m looking forward to how it will look restored.
Anything else I should be considering before tearing into it?
Winchesters site puts the serial number as a 1906 build, that’s so rad to me
Also does the gun give any of it’s story away with these markings? Modified choke (MOD)?