[Polygon]

I had completely forgotten but my grandfather left me a 1897 16 gauge. I'd like to tear it down an clean it and take it out shooting. However, I had a couple a questions. Hopefully someone has the answers.

1. I was wondering when this gun was manufactured? There's a shot of the serial below.

2. How much would this gun be worth?

3. Most importantly, can I use modern shells in this gun?

Thanks,
Clint

[davemccarthy707]

Originally Posted by Polygon

I had completely forgotten but my grandfather left me a 1897 16 gauge. I'd like to tear it down an clean it and take it out shooting. However, I had a couple a questions. Hopefully someone has the answers.

1. I was wondering when this gun was manufactured? There's a shot of the serial below.

2. How much would this gun be worth?

3. Most importantly, can I use modern shells in this gun?

Thanks,
Clint

1-1907
2-I would easily pay 800-1000 for that here in Canada.
3-No problem shooting modern 16 ga as long as its not steel shot.

[30-30remchester]

I am away from my books at present but I believe the 16 guage shells in 1907 were only 2 9/16" long instead of the normal 2 3/4" of todays ammo. As for the firearm itself I see no reason to "tear it down" and clean it. More damage has been done to firearms by improper cleaning and disassembly than by neglect. This is a great looking firearm that should be left just as gramps left it. Any alteration or refinish will be forever removing this grand old guns history.

[Polygon]

Originally Posted by davemccarthy707

1-1907
2-I would easily pay 800-1000 for that here in Canada.
3-No problem shooting modern 16 ga as long as its not steel shot.

Wow!

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by 30-30remchester

I am away from my books at present but I believe the 16 guage shells in 1907 were only 2 9/16" long instead of the normal 2 3/4" of todays ammo. As for the firearm itself I see no reason to "tear it down" and clean it. More damage has been done to firearms by improper cleaning and disassembly than by neglect. This is a great looking firearm that should be left just as gramps left it. Any alteration or refinish will be forever removing this grand old guns history.

Hmm...

That's concerning. When you have a chance to look through your info could you let me know for sure on the shells?

Also, I have absolutely no desire to try and "restore" the gun. I know that altering the gun from it's current cosmetic condition would be a crime and would only hurt the value of the gun. No, what I meant was a cleaning and lubrication of the internals.

[spittinfire]

A beauty of a 16ga! I'm a huge fan of 16s and would be happy to add that one to my collection. Take care of it.

[BillM]

It's chambered for 2 9/16 shells. The 97 is a strong action, and running
some 2 3/4 light loads through it won't hurt it, but to do it right have a
gunsmith lengthen the chamber for 2 3/4 ammo. I had it done on my old
97 16 ga, and it functions just fine. Really doesn't have any negative
effect on value.

Value? Around here (Pacific Northwest) a good functional 16 ga 97
without a lot of finish left on it will go $150-$300. 16 ga isn't real
popular in this area. In 12 ga you can double those prices---the
cowboy action shooters grab them fast.

[Polygon]

Originally Posted by spittinfire

A beauty of a 16ga! I'm a huge fan of 16s and would be happy to add that one to my collection. Take care of it.

Thanks!

Now that I'm aware of it, it's going to be taken well care of.

Originally Posted by BillM

It's chambered for 2 9/16 shells. The 97 is a strong action, and running
some 2 3/4 light loads through it won't hurt it, but to do it right have a
gunsmith lengthen the chamber for 2 3/4 ammo. I had it done on my old
97 16 ga, and it functions just fine. Really doesn't have any negative
effect on value.

Value? Around here (Pacific Northwest) a good functional 16 ga 97
without a lot of finish left on it will go $150-$300. 16 ga isn't real
popular in this area. In 12 ga you can double those prices---the
cowboy action shooters grab them fast.

It seems we have some old rounds that were being fired in the gun regularly back when my grandpa had it. I'll have to go look and see what they were using. My father is telling me that they were 2 3/4. I'm going to have a gunsmith check it out and see if it's already been lengthened. If not, I just might have it done.

[c3shooter]

The 2 9/16ths shells (aka 67mm) are getting hard to find. There ARE some 2 1/2 shells out there (Old European standard size). RST Shotshells


Or, get a loader, trim your hulls to length, and roll your own-

Or find a smith- he will need to extend the forcing cone in the barrel, and MAY need to open the ejection port a hair.

[davemccarthy707]

Originally Posted by Polygon

Wow!

Thanks for the info.



Hmm...

That's concerning. When you have a chance to look through your info could you let me know for sure on the shells?

Also, I have absolutely no desire to try and "restore" the gun. I know that altering the gun from it's current cosmetic condition would be a crime and would only hurt the value of the gun. No, what I meant was a cleaning and lubrication of the internals.

Sorry I mislead you. I forgot about the old 2 9/16 inch 16 ga shells.

[Sonnypie]

That's a beaut!
I love old guns.
If/when you shoot it, your sweat melds with your Grandpa's.
I love the nostalgia of knowing who held the firearm, the life and times of it's history.

Winchester Model 1897

Winchester Model 1897