I have 4 of them and I would still purchase more. I love this Winchester Model. I'm also getting into the Win 1887s now. Really cool shotguns. Heck, I love all early Winchesters...LOL
@@wolfdragon6073 For the 1887, I will be making up 10 gauge BP rounds. For the 97s, target loads work just fine. I cut off the crimped portion and replace with a cardboard disk, because the barrel cone is not long enough.
@@wolfdragon6073 I'm not sure which model you have. Either one, 1897 or 1901, made after 1900 can use smokeless. The 1887 will most likely require BP. My 10 gauge does...made in 1889, I would stick with light target loads. The chamber cones of both are most likely setup for 2 5/8 cartridges. These were made of waxed cardboard. They didn't have the crimped section up front. They had a cardboard disk. So, to keep pressures low, because the wad needs to squeeze through the constriction created when the crimped part of the cartridge extends into the barrel, you could carefully cut off the crimped section and glue in a cardboard disk to keep the shot in place. However, I have seen many 97s shot with regular non-modified ammo and do just fine.
@@wolfdragon6073 What is the model number? If it's a 1887, you need black powder. An early 1900s, 1897 or 1901, you can use target loads. Do not use buckshot or slugs.
One is a 1901.I have had it along time. Congratulations. First video on 1897 that slam firing wasn't done. As a trench gun I don't believe this had an equal. But it does seem most people don't realize this is a fine hunting shotgun.
@@redbarronreviews2429 First, it's interesting to chat with you. Secondly, you have interesting content. Third, I thought you'd signed up for me for a long time. lol
From Jerry Reed "Gator McClusky" sittin on a stump, hammer pulled back on a twelve gauge pump. Another of mine not for sale. Probably carried by many a shiner.
Great video. I was lucky enough to come across this rifle by accident. An elderly collector decided to let it go. I immediately fell in love with it and purchased it. I don't believe in coincidences; that rifle was waiting for me.Very difficult to find them here in Italy.
I found an old rusty one in a trash dumpster with surface rust and gunk in the action. After checking the serial number which was clear, I put it in my name and cleaned it up. I also converted it into a trench gun replica. It shoots great and I love it. Just saw another one at a pawnshop for 709 bucks.... Hmmm 🤔
Sweet. My father inlaw had several for his days cowboy 3 gun shooting. Sold em all.😮💨 Thanks for the vid. Hey, ever hear of a Hopkins and Allan break over shotgun? I've ran across one that's ancient. Thinking of bringing it home.
I have. Single shot? Years ago when I started learning to refinish guns I went through several old single shots. I think one was a Hopkins and Allan that that a pretty neat take down lever/screw.
Excellent overview! I just received a family heirloom of the take down model 12g. Has some “ rust-like” patina and high spots that are almost chrome. Any tips on how to refinish it? Cold bluing? Also is it difficult to break down and deep clean? Thanks much. -Fudd Lore 🤠
If it is an heirloom, I would take it to a professional to re-blue. It will probably cost as much as the gun is worth, but it will preserve it for future generations. As far as deep cleaning goes, there should be some complete disassembly videos out there. The 1897 and the model 12 are both fairly easy to completely disassemble and clean, there are just a lot of steps. Personally I label the parts and screws as they come out so I don’t forget what goes where.
Thank you. Not to my knowledge. There is a company that will convert 12 gauge variants into trench guns and from what I understand they make several major parts in house. That’s about the closest you’ll get though. They’re just too expensive to reproduce and be competitive with the used ones on the market.
I have a Winchester model 12 featherweight and was wondering if I’m ok to to shoot standard power 00 buckshot through it? I’ve owned the gun for nearly 10 years but have only ever fired birdshot through it.. I’ve also been thinking of getting an 1897 and wondered is it ok to shoot just standard power loads through them as well? As long as there not high power magnum loads or some like that..
The best answer I can give you is to take your gun to a real gun smith to look it over. Even if it’s normally okay to do so, your specific gun can have a history you don’t know about that could result in worn out parts you aren’t aware of.
The frontier was closed in 1890, so double and single shots were the West winners. You're right about most powerful rifles being just single shot, so a shotgun was more powerful than most repeaters. More importantly, our ancestors relied on instinctive firing techniques to a disturbing degree....
Without a doubt, those were definitely more prevalent and affordable. That being said, there was still a lot of settling to do even after the frontier was closed.
Is it wrong to cut down the barrel on one? Currently have a factory 26” 12ga that’s in pieces as I bring it back to life, thinking of cutting it to 20” as I have A5s for hunting. It was in similar condition to yours but it’s been boiled, carded, treated and what finish still exists is now exposed and bright - how wrong is it to modify one, mine was made in 1904, I have your slightly older brother
It’s almost a mortal sin to modify them. It is your gun so you can do whatever but personally I don’t buy one for anything more than parts money if it’s been chopped. If you plan on keeping it and you’ll use it more that way then sure, but most people prefer them left original. Generally if it’s in super rough shape I don’t see anything wrong with bringing it back to life. These of course are my preferences. I’d do what makes you happy and able to enjoy the gun more.
I have 4 of them and I would still purchase more. I love this Winchester Model. I'm also getting into the Win 1887s now. Really cool shotguns. Heck, I love all early Winchesters...LOL
What are you using for rounds?
@@wolfdragon6073 For the 1887, I will be making up 10 gauge BP rounds. For the 97s, target loads work just fine. I cut off the crimped portion and replace with a cardboard disk, because the barrel cone is not long enough.
@@usnchief1339 so I have a the 12 gauge, should I do the same basically? And do you use smokeless or Black powder as well?
@@wolfdragon6073 I'm not sure which model you have. Either one, 1897 or 1901, made after 1900 can use smokeless. The 1887 will most likely require BP. My 10 gauge does...made in 1889, I would stick with light target loads. The chamber cones of both are most likely setup for 2 5/8 cartridges. These were made of waxed cardboard. They didn't have the crimped section up front. They had a cardboard disk. So, to keep pressures low, because the wad needs to squeeze through the constriction created when the crimped part of the cartridge extends into the barrel, you could carefully cut off the crimped section and glue in a cardboard disk to keep the shot in place. However, I have seen many 97s shot with regular non-modified ammo and do just fine.
@@wolfdragon6073 What is the model number? If it's a 1887, you need black powder. An early 1900s, 1897 or 1901, you can use target loads. Do not use buckshot or slugs.
Just picked up a 1903 in 16 gauge. For 300 bucks I couldn't pass it up! A great piece of history
1903 is a bolt action 3006
@@jayhaddan7927
The year of manufacture was 1903.
I have a 1903a3 & 1903
@@renelopez2244
I own both as well
My 97 is a 1907 made full choke
Also a Model 12 made in 1922
👍
One is a 1901.I have had it along time. Congratulations. First video on 1897 that slam firing wasn't done. As a trench gun I don't believe this had an equal. But it does seem most people don't realize this is a fine hunting shotgun.
If I had known you were working on this video, I wouldn't have bothered with empty conversations. 👍
I appreciate the support and you sharing that other channel, I subscribed!
@@redbarronreviews2429
First, it's interesting to chat with you.
Secondly, you have interesting content.
Third, I thought you'd signed up for me for a long time. lol
I’ve been subscribed to you for a long time, it was the other channel you shared.
Same, I’ve learned a lot from your comments.
@@redbarronreviews2429 my bad. 🤭
Thanks and reciprocally.
From Jerry Reed "Gator McClusky" sittin on a stump, hammer pulled back on a twelve gauge pump. Another of mine not for sale. Probably carried by many a shiner.
Thank you, very informative !
Great video. I was lucky enough to come across this rifle by accident. An elderly collector decided to let it go. I immediately fell in love with it and purchased it. I don't believe in coincidences; that rifle was waiting for me.Very difficult to find them here in Italy.
Thank you.
They do make a great rifle!
@@redbarronreviews2429 Ah! I forgot. Mine is dated 1899. 😄
Great video!
Thank you!
I found an old rusty one in a trash dumpster with surface rust and gunk in the action. After checking the serial number which was clear, I put it in my name and cleaned it up. I also converted it into a trench gun replica. It shoots great and I love it. Just saw another one at a pawnshop for 709 bucks.... Hmmm 🤔
Sweet.
My father inlaw had several for his days cowboy 3 gun shooting. Sold em all.😮💨
Thanks for the vid.
Hey, ever hear of a Hopkins and Allan break over shotgun? I've ran across one that's ancient. Thinking of bringing it home.
I have. Single shot?
Years ago when I started learning to refinish guns I went through several old single shots. I think one was a Hopkins and Allan that that a pretty neat take down lever/screw.
@@redbarronreviews2429 that's what this one is. It might just need relocated.
They’re fun!
Excellent overview! I just received a family heirloom of the take down model 12g. Has some “ rust-like” patina and high spots that are almost chrome. Any tips on how to refinish it? Cold bluing? Also is it difficult to break down and deep clean? Thanks much. -Fudd Lore 🤠
If it is an heirloom, I would take it to a professional to re-blue. It will probably cost as much as the gun is worth, but it will preserve it for future generations. As far as deep cleaning goes, there should be some complete disassembly videos out there. The 1897 and the model 12 are both fairly easy to completely disassemble and clean, there are just a lot of steps. Personally I label the parts and screws as they come out so I don’t forget what goes where.
I love your take on “democracy “.😊
Just wondering if anyone is producing a version of that now except the chinese. Great video sir.
Thank you.
Not to my knowledge. There is a company that will convert 12 gauge variants into trench guns and from what I understand they make several major parts in house. That’s about the closest you’ll get though. They’re just too expensive to reproduce and be competitive with the used ones on the market.
I have a Winchester model 12 featherweight and was wondering if I’m ok to to shoot standard power 00 buckshot through it? I’ve owned the gun for nearly 10 years but have only ever fired birdshot through it.. I’ve also been thinking of getting an 1897 and wondered is it ok to shoot just standard power loads through them as well? As long as there not high power magnum loads or some like that..
The best answer I can give you is to take your gun to a real gun smith to look it over. Even if it’s normally okay to do so, your specific gun can have a history you don’t know about that could result in worn out parts you aren’t aware of.
@@redbarronreviews2429 ok sounds good. Thank you. 👍
You’re welcome!
@@AMF96
I own both guns.
I would not do it
The frontier was closed in 1890, so double and single shots were the West winners. You're right about most powerful rifles being just single shot, so a shotgun was more powerful than most repeaters. More importantly, our ancestors relied on instinctive firing techniques to a disturbing degree....
Without a doubt, those were definitely more prevalent and affordable. That being said, there was still a lot of settling to do even after the frontier was closed.
The West is huge and probably still took a long time to settle after 1890.
The frontier may have closed in the 1890s, but the west still remained wild til about 1920.
1876 and 1886 were no single shot and out match the shot gun rage by over 300 yards
1912
Is it wrong to cut down the barrel on one? Currently have a factory 26” 12ga that’s in pieces as I bring it back to life, thinking of cutting it to 20” as I have A5s for hunting. It was in similar condition to yours but it’s been boiled, carded, treated and what finish still exists is now exposed and bright - how wrong is it to modify one, mine was made in 1904, I have your slightly older brother
It’s almost a mortal sin to modify them. It is your gun so you can do whatever but personally I don’t buy one for anything more than parts money if it’s been chopped. If you plan on keeping it and you’ll use it more that way then sure, but most people prefer them left original. Generally if it’s in super rough shape I don’t see anything wrong with bringing it back to life. These of course are my preferences. I’d do what makes you happy and able to enjoy the gun more.
What’s the ammo your running through it?
It’s just some high brass 7 1/2 shot. I don’t remember the brand.
My model 97 was made in 1926.
They are great guns! I have found that a lot of guns made in the 20s have some of the best finishes on them if still in good shape.
mine was made in 1902
They stop making the 1897 in 1957 very good run i think and i do love my Win' 1897
1876 and 1886 enter the chat- out classed hahahah please