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,