Do I dare cut down a model 97 12 ga. built in 1898

[Maui Mick]

I purchased this gun for only 285. Receiver dated 1898 by serial numbers, however at some point it was mated with a barrel serial numbers would date as 1908. Would it be sacrilege to cut down the barrel from the original 30 inches to closer to 20?  I didn't know if the inconsistency with receiver and barrel already reduced any historical value.  Or should I go ahead and consider using as is for CAS. Maybe it should just be a wall hanger.  Thanks to any of you knowledgeable Pards.

[Stu Kettle]

Purely a matter of taste - the value is right around what you paid for it, & it will serve your purpose either way.  Some people like the looks of the shorter barrel, while others prefer them long.  Some will argue that since the longer barrel will produce a better pattern it will be more effective knocking down targets, while others will say that the shorter barrel maneuvers around obstacles easier, & the close range of the targets make the pattern difference moot. Since all of those arguments are more or less true, the deciding factor is: what do you prefer?

[Curley Cole]

I got an old 97 that was basicly a parts gun if I didn't like it. It too had a really long bbl. We cut it down to a more manageable length and have been totally happy with it. Shoots just fine.

I got mine for about $285

curley

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[Jefro]

Cut it, it's about worth what you paid. You bought to shoot didn't ya.....so shoot Good Luck


Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

You don't NEED to cut down a perfectly effective 30" barrel.  Leave it as-is and Slam 'em down!

Barkeep's sawdoffs are just a fad.

[wildman1]

You don't NEED to cut down a perfectly effective 30" barrel.  Leave it as-is and Slam 'em down!

Barkeep's sawdoffs are just a fad.

Same as that newfangled powdah. WM

[Maui Mick]

Thanks for the input, sounds like I'm good no matter. Mahalo, Mick

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
Don't cut that barrel down .  It will come in mighty hand if you shoot the Cowboy Trap .

[Pettifogger]

A mismatched 97 has zero collector value.  It is a shooter.  Do whatever makes it shoot best for you!

[Lumpy Grits]

Bet that is NOT a 2 3/4" chamber 
LG

[Bonnie_blue1861]

If it makes you happy... cut it to length.

I faced the same struggle with a "Richard" double barrel damascus steel, 12 gauge w/exposed hammers. I bought it for a really good price, with the intention of making an authentic looking coach gun...But when it arrived, I hesitated a while, before I took a saw to it and finally turned it into a coach gun. 

Looking back, I don't regret it at all. But of course my Richard brand, Belgium made shot gun, from the 1890's, isn't exactly a sought after collects piece. 

But I say...if it makes you happy...go for it.

[Blackfoot]

If you cut it off it will be a lot easier to get through the door of a bank!

Lafitte

[Bonnie_blue1861]

...oh boy....pretend bank...right???