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My grandfather purchased a model 1897 in the early 1900’s to take to canada to start homesteading on the canadian prairie. He had already contracted TB and was unable to farm to survive in canada. He spent his remaining days in a colorado sanitarium but did have a few kids first, one being my dad…My dad gave me the shotgun when i was a teenager and told me to pass it on to my oldest son who has it now….it is a model 1897, serial number E 532550..16 gauge…. the same serial number is on the barrel next to the serial number on the receiver…it is a take-down gun…i would like to get some information about exactly when and where he purchased it and whatever else i can find out….it will always stay in my family! i would post some pics but a tech wizard i’m not..i just joined this forum so i am looking for any advice on how to get info
The information you seek is not available from any source other than your family history. What I can tell you, is that the serial number identifies it as a 1911 production gun. All of the 16-ga Model 1897 shotguns were Take Downs, and that up to early 1930, they were manufactured with a 2-9/16″ chamber length, which means that they are not safe to shoot with modern 2-3/4″ shells.
If you would like the exact date that it was manufactured (serialized), the Cody Firearms Museum records office can (for a $40 fee) provide you with a letter containing that information. They do not have any other information about the gun, just the date it was manufactured.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
thanks for the reply…..is there a good source for 16 gauge shells we can use if we ever decide to have it checked out by a gunsmith and then shoot it?
[email protected] said
thanks for the reply…..is there a good source for 16 gauge shells we can use if we ever decide to have it checked out by a gunsmith and then shoot it?
Not that I am aware of. Maybe on of our other WACA forum members knows of a source.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
http://www.rstshells.com/store/c/7-16-Gauge.aspx
RST makes wonderful cartridges for short chambered guns. I use the 3/4 ounce loads in my Purdey with great results on Ruffed Grouse.
GMC(SW) - USN Retired 1978 - 2001
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