Win Model 1897

silentmarksman

I have a 12 ga. model 1897, serial # 649xxx. This is a very unique shotgun, seeing as how the entire action exits the back of the breach when you rack the slide. Can anyone with a book give me approximate value? Condition is excellent.

talon

It was made in 1919 and may be worth as much as $600, providing it looks and functions like it just left the factory. One fleck of rust or a wear spot, or one scratch WILL reduce the value. A reblue job, or cut barrel will reduce the value significantly. Having the original box/paperwork increases value quite a bit. I assume it is a 'standard' model.

Giuseppe James

Any idea what the range is for a unit in good condition without the papers etc? I am looking for something similar (for Cowboy Action Shooting), and there are brand new copies available for $300 or so.

talon

I would suppose that one in reasonably good shape with lots of wear showing (NOT mistreatment)would go for around $200. But old, worn m97s better be checked by a 'smith as they tend to fire all by their lonesome. That is to say, they are known for this tendency thou I doubt it happens very often. The problem with Winchesters is that there is a collector market for the things so a shooter has a hard time finding one at a "decent" price. Of course, when it comes time to sell, the ball is in your court. One thing about those knock-off m97s is that they are all solid frame. What's nice about the TD version of the m97 is that it's a 'suit-case' gun.

silentmarksman

Thanks for the info Talon. Where do you come by the date and price? What book should I have? Don't worry gang, I've been collecting for 15 yrs. and I haven't sold anything yet. Guns go one way in my neck of the woods, and that is right into my vault. Thanks again Talon.

talon

If you collect anything you better have all the library you can afford on the items you collect. For old winchesters, try Geo. Midas' The Winchester Book. There is scant coverage on the m97 in it, but enough to start.It also contains dates of manufacture. Almost all makers have a book or two covering their wares. As to prices, start with a current edition of Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values.( some folks frown on this tome as they have memorized all models of all Makers for all years, and the various prices thereof). Then, get an occasional copy of The Gun List and review it for items that happen to interest you at the time. And, best of all, find a technique to review actual SALE prices of firearms of interest on this auction site. One warning on values: they vary from place to place and from person to person, and from one week to the next, but most of the time fall in a small range. And, unless one can actually see the arm, and closely inspect it, any valuation can only be an aproximation. What is a 90% gun to one person can be a 85% one to another. Some judgement is called for. That judgement can only come with time, knowledge, and handling LOTS of firearms of the same make & model. Most of us are still acquiring it a little at a time.

silentmarksman

What is a good book for Remingtons? I haven't really been a collector for that long, but I have been amadding a collection. Only recently have I found myself lacking in knowledge of some of my own stuff. I hate lacking in knowledge of anything. Thanks again Talon.

talon

I'm not into Remingtons, but I have one book for you: Rimington America's Oldest Gunmaker, by Marcot. Not inexpensive, @ $80; I'm not recommending it, per se, but I am positive written expert advise and documentation will save you a LOT of grief in the longrun. Recommend you scan Auction sites for Remington books, too.