Hey Winchester folks! I tried searching all over for this but wasn’t able to find anything but I read somewhere that you could upgrade a Winchester 1897 “C” model to a “D” or “E.” I was looking to find out from people much more knowledgable than me if this was true and if so, how I could do it? I’ve got a 1901 manufactured “C” model and wanted to replace the 3 screw forearm with a newer one. Any information on how this can be done would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
cwt said
Hey Winchester folks! I tried searching all over for this but wasn’t able to find anything but I read somewhere that you could upgrade a Winchester 1897 “C” model to a “D” or “E.” I was looking to find out from people much more knowledgable than me if this was true and if so, how I could do it? I’ve got a 1901 manufactured “C” model and wanted to replace the 3 screw forearm with a newer one. Any information on how this can be done would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
The C model is the last one to have these screws. You need to find the better screws or forend online or from another gun. I am not sure who is making Winchester screws anymore or sells replacement wood? I am not the one to ask how many parts need to be replaced to attach a newer forend without the screws to the older gun.
November 7, 2015

Assuming your “C” is original I’m puzzled as to why you’d want to “upgrade” it to something else. In reality a “C” will always be a “C” and I, for one, don’t have a problem with that.
TXGunNut said
Assuming your “C” is original I’m puzzled as to why you’d want to “upgrade” it to something else. In reality a “C” will always be a “C” and I, for one, don’t have a problem with that.
Walking gun shows I only stop and look at standard 1897’s that have screws. I realize that these forends crack and the screws do back out sometimes but I like the earlier guns.

There is a way to upgrade from a three screw forearm to a “solid” non screw forearm for a Winchester 1897, regardless of the model letter, C, D, or E. It entails purchasing an action slide arm with the long tube that has a screw cap on the end. It is also necessary to purchase the non three screw wood. Now you will have the upgrade to the newer model forearm and it is stronger than the three screw wood. Cost could run a couple hundred dollars, give or take.
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