Author Topic: Winchester Model 1897 Value (Read 1338 times)

Holiday · « **on:** October 14, 2003, 11:47:45 AM »

My dealer has a M-97 in good shape. The bore is excellant and the finish is smooth, but worn. I'd say about 70 percent. The wood is in good shape and the action is tight. It has a factory 18 inch barrel. It has U.S. markings, but he believes they are fake. From the serial number it was made in the Fifties. What is it worth? He wante $550, but will sell for $500 to me. I think it is a bit high.

tommy4toes · « **Reply #1 on:** October 14, 2003, 12:59:21 PM »

I think you may be right. 97's seem to go from $375 - $450. I paid $450 for mine and it's a real 1898 model "C" brush gun. The REAL riot and trench guns will go for much more money, so do your research first. One company I came across ( Numrich ) sells a 'flaming bomb" punch - for RESTORATION PURPOSES ONLY, so there may be alot of fakes out there. Check the serial numbers online or with Winchester, and look at lots of pictures. Good luck.

t4t

one plus to the late model is it will have a 2 3/4" chamber though.........

Holiday · « **Reply #2 on:** October 14, 2003, 01:16:21 PM »

Well, he origionally bought it as a trench gun, but it doesn't have the usual stuff a trench gun would have. Also, a check on the serial number placed it later than any of the trench guns. That is why we think the markings are fake. But, it could be a riot gun. Still, I don't see the Government buying a later model model 97. I would really like this gun, but there are too many variables here.

tommy4toes · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2003, 01:21:34 PM »

Well i shot my '97 for the first time today. Sellier&Bellot 2 1/2" field loads.....quite pleasant although stout - but nothing like my 45-90 Sharps. Maybe you ought to get an older one .....

???besides, those 2 1/2" shells are SOOOOOOOOo cute

t4t

Holiday · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2003, 01:23:54 PM »

Well, I messed around and traded for the 97. He came down some, and I traded a Springfield 1911 for the 97. It shoots great! Since I'm starting to shoot Gunfighter, I may be using this gun some.

tommy4toes · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2003, 03:46:00 AM »

congratulations - in fact , I traded an older Colt Mk IV Series 80 for mine ( and some cash ) as well. I'm pleased so far, especially with the 2 1/2" shells - very fun to shoot. You may wish to look into these for yours.
Mine was cut down down 3/4" sometime in the past; it has an ancient lace-on leather butt pad. I took this off carefully and placed some cardboard cut to the shape of the butt to bring it back out to the original length, then put the butt pad back on, so I'm sure this helps too.
Those shells through Cabela's work out to $0.27 per shot.

t4t