[lucky281]

I would like to know what my shotgun is worth it is in good condition and has not been used for about 15 years. The seial number is 388086 D, also if you can tell me when it was manufactured i would really appregiate it. Thanking in advance. Lucky281@comcast.net

[rebel727]

It was made in 1909. As to value it depends on condition, amount of remaining bluing, etc.

[testhop]

one thing the cowboy shooters are grabing up the 97s for compation. and paying good prices. so dont sell too cheap

[rebel727]

Quote:       Originally Posted by testhop

one thing the cowboy shooters are grabing up the 97s for compation. and paying good prices. so dont sell too cheap

Most of them on the SASS forum aren't paying more than 400-500 for them.

[G. Green]

I really like the 97, and have been looking at the Norinco repros. But a buddy told me they had about 115 parts and are a gunsmith's nightmare. Anybody have any experience on their dependability?

[testhop]

Quote:       Originally Posted by G. Green

I really like the 97, and have been looking at the Norinco repros. But a buddy told me they had about 115 parts and are a gunsmith's nightmare. Anybody have any experience on their dependability?

i carried one in the navy it had been used hard for lots of years. and rough the only problum was the sear wored downand ever time you slamed the slide home hard it would fire. (WITCH I LIKED AS I HAD AN FULL AUTOMITIC SHOTGUN)_but some a**h*** repaired it never was the same.
it worked fine as a shotgun but to me it wasnt the friiend i was use too.

[big boomer]

I think the old 97's you can hold down the trigger and keep pumping can't you? I don't know i have never fired mine.

[samuel]

There is a "BIG" difference in the original Win.M1897 and Norinco repro,s.I believe the military version was designed to fire when the action was slammed ahead with the trigger held back.I know the M12 was.I don't believe the civilian version could function in this way. I have considerable experience hunting with a M97 from the time I was 12 which was in 1952 and still have scars on my hand from getting pinched by doing something wrong while working the action.They were a great gun and virtually impossible to wear out except sometimes the half threads on the barrel used to get loose and need worked on.You had to watch them as they could be cocked in heavy brush and fire accidentally,just like any exposed hammer firearm. ,,,sam.

[M. R. Byrd]

Quote:       Originally Posted by testhop

i carried one in the navy it had been used hard for lots of years. and rough the only problum was the sear wored downand ever time you slamed the slide home hard it would fire. (WITCH I LIKED AS I HAD AN FULL AUTOMITIC SHOTGUN)_but some a**h*** repaired it never was the same. it worked fine as a shotgun but to me it wasnt the friiend i was use too.

There is one hole in the old ranchhouse from a 97 in my hands. No injuries other than the house.