Winchester 1897 12 ga safety check

[yogi]

I inherited a Wincheter 1897 12 ga and picked it up today. In researching, based on the serial number, manufacture year is 1911. The model appears to be the "brush" with a 26 inch barrell. It cycles great. I dont see any mechanical flaws. Its old and has finish issues and a little rust at the muzzle but nothing i cant clean up a bit. I want to shoot it tomorrow. While i have shot plenty of shotguns, i have only owned a side by side and that was over 20 years ago. Is there anything from a safety perspective i should be looking for? When cocked, the slide does have a little play in it but the gun appears locked up nice and tight. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Sweeney]

Play in the slide is nothing to worry about. You'll find it in nearly all pump actions. Sweet gun BTW.

 

[Knob Creek]

These are much desired in Cowboy Action Shooting. Use light target loads. Two potential problems are the Hook screw and left hand extractor. You can find new and improved replacements here if needed from The Smith Shop in Rhode Island:

The Smith Shop-Winchester '97 Hook Screw

The Smith Shop-Winchester '97 Left Hand Extrctor

 

[That Guy]

Sweet gun - my father has one of these from the same era. I love the gun because my grandfather, who was a country doctor, received the gun as payment for delivering a baby. Awesome. I doubt it has been fired in 25 years, but I may have to pull it out and give it a once over next time I visit, maybe take it out and bust a few clays with it just for fun.

 

[PATRON]

One thing you want to look out for if you have big hands,when you rack the slide the bolt will bite you.

 

[Another_David]

you know about the slam fire feature right? if you hold the trigger down while racking it goes boom every time. just an fyi

there's supposed to be a little play in the slide--it's part of the spring lock mechanism. try this (unloaded!) close the action then pull back on the slide. it won't open. with tension still on the slide pulling back dry fire. it still won't open. push forward a bit releaving the tension then pull back and the action will open. there's a spring lock that prevents you from opening the action as the hammer drops, that's what that play is all about.

 

[OneShallSuffer]

My father in law has a win87, I believe he said its from 1908? Could be wrong, but I love that gun, it's his primary hunting gun, complete with scope

 

[Zappa]

you know about the slam fire feature right? if you hold the trigger down while racking it goes boom every time. just an fyi

Lot's of pump actions designed during that time period function that way, even the modern faithful reproductions still operate like this, such as the Rossi SA62 (copy of Winchester model 62) and Taurus Thunderbolt (copy of Colt Lightning).
However, the manufacturers recommend against operating them in this fashion.

 

[yogi]

Thanks all. A lot of good feedback, much appreciated. Didnt get to shoot it today but soon enough. I gave it a good cleaning and its resting nicely vs. Sitting in a dusty closet like it has been the last 30+ years.