HARUMPFF
At one time in my Misspent youth, I actually admit to being an aficionado of the ubiquitous 1897. I had five of the things. I also admit, at the time I was chasing the Brass Ring and ALL the really FAST dudes were shooting the '97. Mine were ALL OEM Winchester take-down, cut to Eighteen and a Quarter inch barrel, Recoil Pac onna stock, re-chambered to true 2 3/4 with the forcing cone extended. Like Abilene, I found them to be really really really FUN!!
My Winchesters were not prone to failure (except the ejector spring) but I did rotate them in service to extend their service life. Really FUN guns. HOWEVER:
NOT. And I repeat NOT Cowboy. Nope no way. So, as I became more "seasoned" and exited the race for the Brass Ring, I elected I should become more and more "Cowboy." Exit the 97s. Also exit that Heathen Fad Smokeless Propellant. Enter the Hammer Double. Hammer Double is a separate thread. Burma Shave