I found a Win 1897, serial no. 51x,xxx in a local shop.  Little original finish, extensive minor pitting on barrel & receiver.  Bore is excellent, mechanically sound.  Stock buttplate cracked but wood appears sound.  Oh, and barrel has an aftermarket "jug" full-choke installed.

What's the real value of this?  Would it be a crime to use an original 1897 in Cowboy Action Shooting?  Gunshop is asking $300 out-the-door...

Several people use original 97s for cowboy shooting. I have three and an original 1887 lever action 10 ga. that I shoot in matches.
300.00 is about the going rate. The main problem people have with 97s are cause by worn sears.
They are a lot of fun.

The-Duck