Winchester Model 1897 12ga

From USA, 828 posts

My buddy has had a late family member leave him a family heirloom that was in need of some upkeep recently.
Knowing that I am REALLY into firearms, he left it with me to clean up and re-assemble properly. Apparently, 30 years ago, a military service family member tried to disasemble and(unfortunately and apparently NOT clean)attempt to re-assemble this antique.
Well, it went back together, but not in working order. It stayed that way for 30 years untill I got my hands on it.
This thing was ANYTHING but fragile. In great shape(prob 97%) and only really needed a deep cleaning.
this shotgun is a pump action, block and hammer style shotgun.when pumped, the hammer is thrown back by a huge block that kikcs out from the back of the receiver when pumped(very very similar to the lever actions)
It took me about 45 mins to break this thing down. Then I gave it a cursory cleaining, only enough to get about 20 years(not the entire 30) worht of grime out of the shotgun.
It took me another 30 mins to reassemble and figure out the original re-assembly malfunction.
She works like a charm now!!! I've never hear a firearm sound SOOO good when pumped. a distinct (CLICKCLICK) not like modern pumps, much more distinct and solid sounding.
We fired off about 2 shells a piece and the perceived recoil was less than that of my Mossy 590 12ga!!!.
The shotgun holds 6 shells(including 1 in the chamber)
here is a likeness:

http://home.winsoft.net.au/gazza/images/R_WINCHESTER_1897_PUMP.JPG

The actual barrel size on my buddies shotgun is 20 inches, much shorter than the one pictured here.
The hammer is very demure and can easily "slip" off of a thumb if not careful when de-cocking.
My friends model, according to the serial ,was manufactured in 1911-not a military model though.
this has been in his family since it was purchased new.

From Ipswich, 3298 posts

sounds superb! Its always good to hear that old guns are being restored and looked after well. Shame that alot of guns now will not last like that, I have an old airpistol of my dads. It works, but the breech seal is nakkered so unuseable. But its already 30 odd years old. If I keep it and hand it down to my kids then it could become quite an antique

From Mankato, MN, 4129 posts

Cool, Winchester made some solid guns back then. I still shoot my 1906 pump .22. Subs only now. They seem so solid and simple.