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October 28, 2020
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I recently acquired a 1950’s Winchester 1897 with a 30″ barrel, the bluing is in good shape but the wood needs a little TLC. It appears to function perfectly, and I don’t think it got much use in the last 10+ years before I purchased it, because I cleaned a cobweb out of the barrel when I got it. I had a few question I was hoping someone could help with, and any reply is appreciated! Thank you!
The serial number is: 1,002,2xx, would this make it a 1954?
The pump requires a little bit of a “jerk” to get everything moving, then it is pretty smooth, is this normal for these guns?
It has a Model 12 style forearm with a smooth bottom and ribs on the side, which I read is how some of the very late guns shipped. Does anyone know if the Model 12 and Model 97 forearms are interchangeable? Are the stocks interchangeable? I would like to replace it with the classic 1897 forearm with the ribs that go all the way around.
April 15, 2005
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Model 97 S/N 1002200 was manufactured in January 1952. To open the action, the hammer needs to be fully down on the firing pin, and then you first need to push the slide handle (pump) forward slightly before attempting to pull it to the rear to open the action. This happens automatically when actually firing the gun as a result of the recoil.
The flat-bottom slide handle stock is correct for your gun. Winchester switched from the older “corn-cob” style slide-handle stock to the flat-bottom style in early 1952.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 28, 2020
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Thank you for the great information. The slide-handle stock is actually pretty severely cracked, and I need to look for a replacement. Do you know if any 1897 slide-handle stock will fit? Or did the fitment change when they changes styles? Thanks again Bert!
April 15, 2005
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While I suspect that any “E” series slide handle stock will fit, I do not know that to be true for a fact, as I have not ever tried swapping them around.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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