Model 97 16 ga. made 1912

[rio grande]

A guy at work brought in an interesting old Winchester today, a Model 97 16 gauge, serial # shows it was made in 1912.
Polished a lot and reblued, but tight and functions well. Barrel not cut down. Nice wood.
I looked at it before I learned it was made in 1912 and I just thought 'This would go good with a model T Ford'.
He's wondering what it might be worth, I'm guessing $400. 'Cause of the heavy polish and reblue. It's a pretty blue job though.
I read the 16 is not common. Cowboy shooters might like it.
What do y'all think?

[Bitterroot Bob]

Howdy,
Model 97's are hard to price accurately. You could pull up a bunch on Auctionarms and monitor them, I guess. With the Chi-com 97's on the market the cowboy shooters can buy a new 97 for about $300. And, as a rule, the new breed of cowboy shooter isn't interested in shooting odd calibers and gauges. 12-gauge is a popular and affordable shell, while the 16 is a scarce bit of ammo in some locales.
You don't find a lot of 16's around, though. There is a group of die-hard 16-gauge fans out there who would be glad to have it. Winchester shotguns are not hurt by professional re-builds. A Winchester is expected to be shot regularily for a looong time, then re-built and back to the range. I don't think a good re-finish would bother anyone.
Lucky you!

Bitterroot

[mcwoodduck]

I agree i bought a 97 from 1914 in the roit solid frame back in 91 and paid about 350 for it.
I have been offerd almost that for the sling swivels buy a Win collector.

[Keith L]

My dad had a Model 97 12 ga. with a cracked grip wound with wire to keep it together.  It got so warn that half the time it would fire when the action was closed.  Quite the old timer.  He sold it to a neighbor who had it fixed up in the middle 50s.  I wish he had kept it, but what the heck.  I would have preferred he kept his Model 12, but that moved on when I was in the service in the 70s.

[rio grande]

Thanks for the responses,
That's a neat old shotgun all right.  Lots of drop in the stock and a narrow butt.
Bet it would kick like the proverbial mule.
But how could I tell? - I've never been kicked by a mule.