1897 winchesrer takedown or solid frame

[bill11]

would it be better to buy a takedown 1897 shotgun or a solid frame.  what barrel length and choke are most used in cas.  i am just starting to aquire equipment.     thanks   bill

[Camille Eonich]

The solid frame is just a bit lighter than the take down but they generally cost more.  Both are fine guns.

No choke needed. 

Barrel length again is a matter of personal choice.  My favorite '97 has had the barrel cut down to just barely legal.  Two reasons, one it makes the gun lighter (which helps me run faster LOL) and two because if I have to shoot through something I want as little of the barrel of the gun through there as possible and often you end up on a board walk shooting through windows or doors.  The short barrel allows me to stay on the board walk and shoot through the windows and doors with jamming my gun in there.  If you stick a 30" barrel through a window you have to pull it all the way back out before you can turn and run. 

Yeah yeah it's only a few seconds but in a stage that only last 20 or 25 seconds using 2 to pull the barrel of a gun out of a window is 1.98 too many.  Especially if you have to shoot through multiple windows.

Anyway 20" is about average probably and you won't see many at all over 24".

[Grapevine Jimmy]

The Chinese clones are all solid frames. I've been shooting a solid frame clone for several years and just recently aquired a "real" '97 takedown. The takedown is just a little bit longer from the front of the receiver to the foregrip and just a little heavier. I personnally like the extra distance for my long arms. the clones are also going to be cheaper than a real one.

Grapevine Jimmy

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[bill11]

thanks for the help   i think i will get a riot gun 1897. i find it hard to have a reciever that says made in china on it even though they work fine.  i also have longer arms so a gun like yours would probobly suit me well.     bill

[maldito gringo]

I have a 26" brush gun with a full choke- thats a nice model if you can find 'em. As you are set on an original '97 there are several good gunsmithing DVDs out. Even if you never turn a screw on it they can be a big help in understanding the gun and what to look for, Larry Crow has one I think. and also Bob Dunlap from AGI. Believe me, the '97 takes some understanding. There are a lot of them out there.. Manufactured from 1897 to 1957, and reasonably priced in general. Lots of parts available.. no need to give the Chinese any more money - they have enough.