Author Topic: New Norinco 97 vs Remington 870 Wingmaster: Self Defense (Read 1701 times)

Big Paulie · « **on:** July 12, 2005, 01:07:06 PM »

Dear Guys,

Does anybody have any practical experience upon which to make this comparison? The older 870 Wingmasters are legendary, and slick as glass. You can make a self defense model by adding a short barrel and I suppose an extension tube.

But, what about the new Norinco Model 97 pumps? These have gotten some great reviews.

(Please omit any discussions about whether you would buy a Chinese government product or not. I am only interested in practical experience regarding quality and reliability. Also, no "speculation" please. Actual experience with the guns only.)

Thanks, Big Paulie

Sx2 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2005, 02:19:53 PM »

your right about one thing. I can't say a word, I have a Norinco 1911 and like it a lot.

I'd think the Norinco "870" would be more along the lines of an express model which dosen't share equal space with the wingmaster.

Gun Runner · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2005, 09:22:14 PM »

Paulie, out of the 5 we sold out of the shop where I used to work, we had to send 4 to the gun smith to make them work right. Most of the problems were feeding. Just for info unless they changed them they can only handle the 2 3/4 shells. Take down is about the same as a Win 97.

Gun Runner

Zeke Menuar · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2005, 09:28:26 PM »

I have a real 1906 M97 takedown. As much as I like the gun, I would rather bet my life on my Western Field 550A (aka Mossberg 500).

So If I had to pick between your two choices I would take the 870.

ZM

dukkillr · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2005, 09:33:36 PM »

i too have a real 97 and an 870 and i'd take the 870 any day... now a model 12 would be a whole different story.

kevin.303 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2005, 03:10:48 PM »

one thing you should know about the HP9 (norc 870) is that not all of them accept remington barrels. only the 14" (HP9-1) and 28' barrel models will accept remington barrels, the 18" and 24" models will not because of the magazine length. and tes i've heard the '97's are prone with problems. Norinco also makes a clone of the Ithaca 37, not sure if it's available in the states yet, but it is up here. i was gonna get a '97, but found a nice Belgian A-5 for less money instead.

Yukon Gold · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2005, 06:36:52 AM »

If my life was on the line, I would put it on the 870 vs. the Norinco.

See a lot of guys use the Norinco in cowboy action - and I have seen a lot of cycling/loading issues when done in a hurry or under stress. I'm sure in a self defense scenario, I will be in a hurry and under a lot of stress.

I have never seen an 870 fail to load. Worked as a trap-boy as a teen, watched literally thousands of shots, single and double, over a 5 year period with the 870, and they always performed. Out in the field, they always performed.