Winchester 1897

[David Walz]

So, the other day I had a very large, heavy box of gun parts left on the deck of my house. Seems a guy was cleaning up his late fathers estate and the dad had some gun parts. I have no idea who he is, this is not unusual, I have in the past received boxes of gun parts before so it's no big deal.
I am always looking for the screws, springs, common items. I really didn't have the time to look inside the box since I am working on the Bally 1114 slot machine however something did caught my eye.

I saw a receiver (immediately I knew what it was) to a Winchester shotgun 1897, made in 1914, this was a significant find since the history of the 1897 shotgun and WWII. After that find, knowing what to look for I dug around the box finding about 80% of the parts ( approximately 80 parts total), the barrel is missing, and a few screws which can be expected, and the barrel can be sourced. The original finish is worn off, and the brown hue is beautiful for a 108 year old shotgun. These "main" parts can be extremely expensive so I really hit pay dirt.

I will start to assemble the shotgun soon, I have some screws, pins, on order. The barrel is not a problem. 

[63mini]

 Tag to watch your progress.  You have nice neighbors.  I'd be lucky to have a flamin bag of dog **** dropped at my door... 

 Also, you may want to change the model from "1894" to 1897" since it's a shotgun and not a lever action.

[David Walz]

Tag to watch your progress.  You have nice neighbors.  I'd be lucky to have a flamin bag of dog **** dropped at my door... 

 Also, you may want to change the model from "1894" to 1897" since it's a shotgun and not a lever action.

Thanks, I am a 94 collector and they are made in the 1950's. So I am stuck on that number. Usually I collect Remington shotguns, so its a learning curve for me.

We have great people here in the Matsu, I am blessed to be here every day. We have a lot of former military, law enforcement, firefighters, my neighbors are good friends, we watch out for each other, which is what we want. We are left alone mostly, we defend ourselves and we do not rely on law enforcement officers since they are patrolling a large area and they are not close by, which we like.

We are mostly about 2nd Amendment, God and country. We are nothing like the rest of the states in the US.

[David Walz]

Been assembling the Winchester 97. Some screws have been buggered, I am replacing them.

[David Walz]

More assembly.

[David Walz]

All of those parts are cleaned and repaired. More pictures to follow as I continue.

[David Walz]

Were getting somewhere....

[Tacman]

Just noticed this post. Nice find and a very desirable model. Take your time and do it right. Hopefully you will be able to find all missing parts without having to dip in the Chinese parts. Good luck!

Dan (Tacman)

[David Walz]

Just noticed this post. Nice find and a very desirable model. Take your time and do it right. Hopefully you will be able to find all missing parts without having to dip in the Chinese parts. Good luck!

Dan (Tacman)

I am a gunsmith, and I know firearms, when I saw the receiver I about had a run away. At first I thought it was just a receiver in a box until I saw the carrier, breechbolt, then the action slide. Then I started digging through the whole box that has a bunch of pieces and parts to several different firearms. I disassembled everything, cleaned, inspected, serviced every part, then assembled without looking at a diagram for assistance. It is a 1914, 12 gauge model, very very desirable. It's an Alaska shotgun, probably used for hunting through the century. Wear and tear on this shotgun is expected since it is a work gun. The stock is a 14" so it has been cut down, but it's original, belonging with the firearm.

Original parts are plentiful if you know where to look. The barrel, takedown extension are the only main parts that are missing. I went through the whole box and found mostly everything. Screws were scattered throughout the box in plastic bags with oil. I have a major supply of old screws, and was able to locate a couple that were missing. I have the original takedown extension that is "period correct", coming in the mail.

The really good factor here is the person who took it apart used the correct screwdrivers, and they put the parts in oil preserving them.

[63mini]

 It appears to have really nice bones.  It will look Great when re-assembled.  Nice job bringing this classic back to life. 

[David Walz]

The magazine tube is finally straighten out. However the action slide hook is not locking in with the action slide. I have another hook, to see if that's the problem. Just taking my time getting it done.

[David Walz]

Figured it out, the bolt must have been dropped on it's head, the bolt had a ding on it preventing it to close 100%. 

[David Walz]

Found the correct barrel. 

[David Walz]

The old 30" barrel is perfect for the "Alaskan" shotgun.

[David Walz]

Well, well, well.

[David Walz]

Well, well, well.

[David Walz]

The shotgun is back together. Personally speaking, this was a PITA. Just like other firearms it needed to be clocked, the parts had to be calibrated (BFH), and as usual I have one special screw to locate.

Then I can fire the 100+ year old, puts some rounds out and if all goes well it will be a successful rebuild.

[Tacman]

Nice, enjoy your find! Any chance of another almost complete gun in that parts box? Appears to be a treasure chest.

Dan (Tacman)

[David Walz]

Nice, enjoy your find! Any chance of another almost complete gun in that parts box? Appears to be a treasure chest.

Dan (Tacman)

No, I am just thankful for this special find, and to top it off, I don't have another one in my armory.