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February 15, 2017
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Newbie here with first post and some questions.
I have a 12GA M97 made in 1930, the barrel is marked, MODEL 97 – WINCHESTER – 12 G A FULL w/ – TRADE MARK – under the name Winchester, it is 30″ long.
I’ve read that all 12GA M97’s are chambered for 2 3/4″ shells.
I really wanted a 20 1/2″ barrel, so I am thinking about cutting the barrel down. I doubt that there is any value to the gun as it appears that it has been re-blued at some point in time.
My questions to the association is:
Should I cut the barrel?
Try to sell it and buy an already cut down barrel? Cylinder barrels are next to impossible to find, and when you can find one, well it’s out of my price range.
If sold, what is the barrel worth?
Try to find someone to trade with?
Thanks in advance for any and all feedback,
April 15, 2005
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Yes, all Model 1897/97 12-ga guns were made for a 2-3/4″ shell.
If the gun has been refinished/reblued, you are not going to hurt the value by having the barrel professionally shortened.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 31, 2012
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You must be a Cowboy reenactor. Re- Blued gun is virtually worthless, so cut away. My Stepson, a retired Border Patrol Pilot cut one down many years ago and carried it throughout his 20+ years service. I have it in my gun closet now as he moved to Italy. Big Larry
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