Hello,
I recently acquired a 1908 manufactured Winchester model 1897 12ga shotgun. I’m not very familiar with this model and, in fact, the one I have is actually the first one I’ve ever held in my hands.
The action seems to be very tight on it. It takes considerably more force to run the slide rearward and forward when compared to something like a Remington 870. The previous owner said that when he got the shotgun it was almost stuck closed and he had to work it free by disassembling and cleaning/lubing the bolt and carrier.
Since I can’t look at it and say for sure whether everything was re-assembled correctly, and since it is 112 years old, I am considering taking it to a gunsmith who knows what he’s looking at to check everything out and make sure it is safe to shoot and functions properly.
My questions are 1) Can anyone recommend a good gunsmith who would know his way around this shotgun? And 2) Does anyone have any idea why the action is so tight?
Thanks in advance!
I recently acquired a 1908 manufactured Winchester model 1897 12ga shotgun. I’m not very familiar with this model and, in fact, the one I have is actually the first one I’ve ever held in my hands.
The action seems to be very tight on it. It takes considerably more force to run the slide rearward and forward when compared to something like a Remington 870. The previous owner said that when he got the shotgun it was almost stuck closed and he had to work it free by disassembling and cleaning/lubing the bolt and carrier.
Since I can’t look at it and say for sure whether everything was re-assembled correctly, and since it is 112 years old, I am considering taking it to a gunsmith who knows what he’s looking at to check everything out and make sure it is safe to shoot and functions properly.
My questions are 1) Can anyone recommend a good gunsmith who would know his way around this shotgun? And 2) Does anyone have any idea why the action is so tight?
Thanks in advance!