@@brushwolf Umm, Mauser didn't make machine guns or shotguns. In fact, it was mainly just the C96, Gewehr, and Karabiner he was known for. JMB has the 1886, 1887, 1897, 1911, Hi-Power, BAR, M2, M4 autocannon, Superposed Over-Under, Auto 5, Browning 22, and a great deal of others under his belt that are all truly legendary. A weapon for every occasion.
@@sammiches6859; Your original comment is taken in the context of "prolific firearms inventors". It is known and understood that Mauser didn't invent any shotguns. Paul Mauser, however, was much more than the C96, and his greatest invention, the Mauser action has influenced more rifles than any other design. For starters, a bewildering array of military Mauser derivatives, the influence of American designs like the Springfield M1903 (well known), influencing British design of the P14, and later the M1917(less known). Needless to say, his design has been copied more than ANY other rifle in history. Some of Mauser's designs and actions were also incorporated into Browning's own FN rifles (wink), Winchester, and Sako just to name a few. Not to re-mention the C96 but multiple auto pistols and revolver designs, cannons, the influence of the Chassepot which influenced nearly every military rifle in French service up to the 49/51 and even the FR1 still used today. Mauser was also responsible for designing one of the four parent cartridges that are the basis for nearly every rimless bottlenecked cartridge used today, it being 18 years older than one of the other 3 (30-06). There simply cannot be a discussion of firearms innovation without mentioning Mauser. In my opinion, his contributions to modern firearms are just as great as JMB.
This makes me want Ian to do a video about a gun that's been randomly generated, or maybe using a script written by AI, something along those lines. "Sam Colt's prototype water cooled flare pistol with a toggle-locked bayonet."
Man those 97s are terrific shotguns, I used one for my first real clay pigeon competition on a course and I'm no fantastic shot but I definitely performed better with the 97 than with any of the pretty double barrels and semi shotguns they had at each station.
Thanks for posting this, my late Uncle gave me a "97 which was made in 1908 with near perfect blueing. I used to dove hunt with it until I decided to retire her when he gave me his 870 but she is still the prize in my collection !
My father owns an 1893, I've got no clue how he got his hands on it but I've gotten the chance to fire it a few times. Definitely a very fun shotgun to shoot.
In hindsight, it really makes a tremendous amount of sense what they did about the 1893s; they were a lawsuit just asking to happen when they exploded from using the wrong ammunition. It was pretty cool that they offered to trade a brand new 1897, a lot of companies would just let the old guns explode and play dumb when the lawsuits inevitably happened. Winchester went so far as to destroy any and all 1893s they got their hands on, to ensure they didn't wind up back in circulation somehow or another. In a way, it sucks today that 1893s are so scarce because of it, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense, and was a surprisingly honest business practice you don't see much in the industry, especially today. And because so many were destroyed, 1893s do have the inadvertent collector's appeal to them today.
I've always loved the 1897. My friend has one at its a blast to shoot. The slam fire is pretty awesome and it's funny to see people's reaction when you rack off six shells fairly fast. As always thanks Ian for the videos I've learned a lot from them.
What a pleasure to watch and really hit home for me. My grandfather had a 83' and left it do my Dad when hr passed away. Sadly though my father lost it during a house fire. Thanks for the video, brings back some fond memories.
Thanks for the insightful information - my contribution to this incredible Winchester story is that I am the proud owner and still user of a 1905 Model 97 16 gauge and also a 1948 Model 94 30 WCF - these incredibly designed weapons make me look good.
my step-father, the gun and cartridge collector, owned a model '97 12 ga. and we used to shoot it at Oakland Rifle and Pistol Club; as well as using it for Pheasant Season in Live Oak, Calif.
I always had a fascination with the 97. Back in 2005, a friend gave me one (made in 1913) that was so trashed it needs restoration before it can used. Haven't got around to bringing back to life, so when I found a current production Chinese clone of the 1897 in riot configuration, I bought one. Love it...not as well finished as original Winchesters, but good quality and functions perfectly. The same friend gave me a Model 1912 (made 1936) that was fully functional, and as great as the Model 12 is, there's something very appealing to a exposed hammer pump gun.
God, what majestic weapons. Regardless of practicality by modern standards, there's something absolutely beautiful about watching the actions on these work.
My dad bought his 97 at the goodyear employee store in akron . I think about 1960 ? Still have it and its gorgeous . blue is 90% and stock is the same .
love my 1897's....have both the 12 and 16.......grew up watching grandpa hunting with this shotgun.....have know owned 4 of them......still have 3......between them and my model 12's..great guns....
I was blessed with the chance to hunt water fowel and pheasants with a 1905 version of the Model 97. It was an experience that I have long cherished and a great gun to shoot.
Hey Ian, not sure if you still monitor the comments on these older videos, but I just picked up an 1897 over the weekend. The serial number puts the manufacture date at 1913. I know it's probably not a good idea to shoot modern buckshot and whatnot out of (I wasn't planning on it anyway), but is it safe to use with modern factory loaded birdshot? Specifically 7 1/2 and 8 shot? I'm not planning to shoot it a lot but I would like to be able to take it out and enjoy it every once and a while. Thanks for the videos!
"Modern" buckshot is exactly the same pressure level as 1914 buckshot. as long as the internal parts pass visual inspection; there's nothing to worry about. Obviously, as Ian says; you can't use over-length shells.
Bought the airgun th-cam.com/users/postUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL for pest control. Initially sighted-in with lead pellets but after about 100 shots decided to upgrade to the faster PBA Platinum pellets (spec'd at 1250 fps). The picture shows the distribution of 11 pellets on a target at ~20 yards. Overall, very happy with the handling of the Varmint, little recoil, no scope creep (make sure to follow the installation instructions that include the lock pin!), lightweight and fits nicely in a standard carrying case. The airgun is loud, more so shooting with PBA pellets. Something to consider if that's a possible issue in your environment / neighborhood.Update: considering upgrading to a more powerful 0.22, likely Gamo Magnum. I'm not thrilled about using toxic lead pellets but there's no other way to get sufficient impact without lead weight as far as I can tell, which is needed for adult iguanas pest control.
I purchased an 1897 in horrible condition about half a year ago. I've been restoring it, and was gifted an original one with full matching serial #s just the other day. I would highly recommend to any of you to pick up one of these shotguns if you have the opportunity. Even buying a project one is fun, and parts are abundant.
Thank you for posting this. I've only seen one 1893 offered for sale over the twenty something years I have been going to gun shows. In that same time I've seen three one of one thousand and two black diamonds in the same time frame.
I had a relative give me two old shotguns. He dropped them off in a double sided case and told me they were Model 12s. I opened the case to find a pigeon grade 1897 12 ga and a pigeon grade 16 ga. Both were in beautiful condition and the engraving was magnificent.
I have saw a Winchester 1893 for sale at least 2 times in the past 5 years. The Winchester 1893 I own is one that I bought off of a friend, and I had to restore it to make it functional. I shoot it with Magtech brass shells with black powder.
Aaahhh...slam fire! I had an old J C Higgins pump that could slam fire. The action was so fast, you didn't need to slam fire. I could fire 3 aimed shots in under 2 seconds.
My Grandfather just gave me his fathers 1897 (1907) take down as well as an extra "action half". I have it cleaned, oiled and hanging on my saddle for almost daily farm checks.
I have the OG winchester version. Yeah I took out a screw driver kit and the smallest bits I had were too big. Had to take out my screw driver kit for computers just to disassemble the thing. I will say that it is a testament to the machining of that time (no auto feeds, all by hand) to have screws that small in a good functioning shotgun.
The 1897 technically has a disconnector, it just acts in a way that the whole firing group, minus the trigger, pivots down and back from the trigger when opened, so when the action is closed, the sear actually hits against the trigger (as opposed to the usual vice versa) and that is why it can slam fire.
I do love how the Germans, who started the use of chemical weapons in WW1, were pissed about Americans using these shotguns because they were so damn effective.
sorry to say mate that you are wrong about the gremans being the first to use gas in ww1. the French beat them to it by a number of months. the germans also ended up using the stuff less over the length of the war than both us brits and the french. its amusing the way bull sh1t proper gander from over a hundred years ago is still going strong today.
Weedus There were stories told by US soldiers in Vietnam that said they would get thier bayonets stuck in the chest of Vietcong and would shoot so that the recoil would pull it out. Im more than sure it happened in WW1.
if by 'men' you mean boys who where barely 18 when they where send to the fronts than sure... Go take a look at one of the cementeries around Verdun. Most of the people buried there weren't old enough to buy a beer in the States.
Back then, they were men. 'Manhood' came when they could fend for themselves and raise families--often by mid-teens. Of course, people generally didn't live as long, either. Mid-30s was getting old.
Nice! I got a vintage 1987 take down for Christmas from my uncle. I tore it apart and cleaned it up. The internals seem to be in good working order. Sadly the wood is not in the best condition and the original foregrip is missing.
You wouldn't want to use modern loads in an 1893. Where as the 1897's can shoot modern shells (average birdshot, et c) and occasionally you can find one made before jan 1,1899 making it an antique firearm (no paperwork necessary)
@@WildAthletics A 1893 is just as strong as a 1897,i save u a long story by the actions of both guns handle the recoil of smokeless loads with easy both of them and the barrels are identical in terms steel quaility and thickness (the 93 has a slightly thicker chamber) the real danger in a 1893 is not the weakness but if u cycle the action nothing locks the ejection port,meaning shells that pop out of the mag tube can fall out of the action or as i experianced myself a few times,the new shell falls half out of the ejection port and the gets stuck between the top of the receiver and the carrier and then bolt moves forward and the extractor can hit on the primer............I shoot only smokeless loads in my 93,s including 1700 fps 1oz slugs and i am doing that for years now.....So dont tell me a 93 is weak.. My hobby is to convert 93,s to 97,s meaning putting a 97 bolt and carrier in a 93 so the guns can be used safely.
@john thonig Yeah u can shoot buckshot and other heavy loads out of a 97 cause the barrel will handle ever pressure of a normal 2 3/4h inch shell u can buy that means if the bore is in good condition. I shoot slugs out of a 1893 cause i found out the 1893 and early 1897s have exactly the same barrels those 93/97barrels can handle every loads but use lead shot only is my advice cause techncial the steel is contained in the wad and has no contact with the bore but i saw a few barrels with micro scratches in the bore caused by steel shot. I shoot these 93s now for like 5 years and i shot several 100 shots in them all in smokeless powder from small 7/8oz loads all the way to 1.25oz loads in high velocity but only with lead shot/slugs/buckshot. There is a video of hickock 45 shooting a Terminator 2 look a like 1887 lever gun thats a replica and if u look closely u can see there are holes drilled above the chamber or close to the chamber to mount a scoop...Wenn i saw that and i have more faith in my old 1893 and 1887 then ever to shoot it safely with smokeless powder
One of the issues with the 12 gauge Black Powder shotshells .vs. Smokeless shotshell, besides the higher pressure (if the barrel is chambered for the smokeless shotshell) is that with the Smokeless shotshell being slightly longer (an eighth of an inch (~3.2mm)) the end of the shotshell doesn't fully open and creates a spot where the shot or slug will hang up for a short moment which will make one "heck" of a pressure spike!!! The shotshell length is a measurement of the hull without a crimp. This is why in some shotguns that are rated for 2.75" (70mm) you can actually chamber 3" shotshells (76.2mm)!!! This is obviously an even bigger issue than that of a 2.75" in a 2.625" barrel (if both were loaded with black powder)! This can, and eventually will, cause a burst barrel at the end of the chamber in the barrel...
I've got 2 ol 97s. My dad had one and the day I got out of the Navy, I bought one of my shipmates with discharge pay. I think it was $75 for the gun, but that was in 1975. When dad died I inherited.
The 1893 was also offered with Damascus barrels for about $2 more than the "fluid steel" barrel. My Great Grandfather bought an 1893 new and refused to pay the extra $2 which turned out to be a wise decision. It has had thousands of rounds put through it, most of them 2 3/4 inch. It's never failed, is still in perfect working order and still in the family. However, it has been retired in favor of newer shotguns.
glad to hear its lasted i just picked one up and put a few target load 2 3/4 rounds through it. ill be buying 2 1/2 from now on but i figured a light load 3/4 would be fine to test it out.
Nevermind, you are talking about when the gun is empty. Such a problem could be with the extractors, the cam in the lifter/ breechblock, the way the pump fits on the magazine tube, or the shell flag could be catching.
I have a '97 that I traded for in Alaska decades ago. I traded a Smith & Wesson .22 revolver for it. Everyone thought I was nuts and at the time it was not a good financial deal on my part, the value of the .22 being far greater. However, I didn't have a shotgun with me and I wanted to shoot some emperor geese. I still have the '97 that was made in 1929. I suspect that it is now worth more than the .22 would be with the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting. And I did shoot quite a few emperor geese which can no longer be hunted. So it turned out to be a good longterm investment although everyone at the time said I was nuts trading a nice new revolver for an old POS shotgun.
Only $800 for em! If Australia had better firearm laws I would be placing a bid :( Great video. I thought the 1897 was the first Pump action so good to learn it wasnt and who really was the first creator of them.
I ran across a guy using one of these duck hunting fall of 2016 in southest Wisconsin. We had to stop and asking him about it. The guy was around 60 and he said he as been using it for 40 years. The guy could afford a modern one. He pulled in the parking lot driving a Cadillac Escalade gold edition, wearing nothing but Sitka camo and pulling a $25,00 duck boat.
Resting in my gun safe is my Grampa's old M-97. It has a full choke 30" barrel. My Grampa couldn't see to shoot a rifle, but he sure could get a pheasant with that 97. I got it from my Dad. I'll have to show it to my son and grandson and tell them the story of the pheasant that I had to cross three barb wire fences to get after my Grampa shot it down.
I have my grandfathers 1893. My grandfather bought it shot it once and it about blew up. He sent it to the manufacturer and they repaired it and sent it back. Hasn't been shot since and is in mint condition. I need to shoot it see if it works right now haha with the short paper cartridges of course.
I have 97's in both 12 & 16 ,and a 93 I've never shot... The 12 gauge 97 was my grandfather's from about 1902, And the 16 was my father's. The 93 was from my grandfather also, but I don't really know the history.
6:27 In World War I The slam firing was how the gun got its nickname trench gun The slamfire was extremely extremely extremely effective in close quarter trench combat The Germans wanted The trench gun to be banned from warfare as a result. The slam fire was extremely effective maybe not so much in a civilian role but if you're in a close quarter trench and you got a bunch of enemies and you got a trench gun in your hand You're going to use that slam firing feature
Ian, my father currently owns two '93s, one is the same as what you have in the video, the other has the sheet cartridge guide like a '97 on the carrier and has a breech bolt lock like a '97 (but no release button). I found reference at one point over the years that some 93's were modified by Winchester for smokeless use, and I believe his is one of them. In any event it is an interesting transition between the 93 and 97. I will attempt to get photos of it to email you.
About the M1897 bayonet lug. If I recall correctly, it's actually made to accept Pattern 1907 bayonets, which are British, made for the Mk.III Lee Enfield, or more commonly simply known as the SMLE. Has a menacing 17" or so blade, so when taken off your rifle or shotgun, can be used as a shortsword. They did NOT frig around in WWI lol Also, Ian, seems like you've got an 'owie' on every other video. Now it's a bandage on your thumb. You may love firearms just as I do, but I'm not entirely sure the affection is reciprocated. I think it might be interesting if you started mentioning burns/cuts on your hands in future vids, let us know what design it came from and how you got it. For instance, I once burned my hand on my SKS-45 when I stupidly went to take it from my friend by the gas tube/barrel because his hand was on the fore end of the stock. Then when I first got my M1911A1 almost 7 years ago, somehow I manage to squat the meat of palm at the base of my left thumb in the ejection port. lol A TT-33 very nearly gave my eye a good whack. While disassembling, I didn't have full control of that taut recoil spring, and it got away from me. The little cap at the end of it flicked off right in my face, striking me JUST below one of my eyes. Then there's a bit of Hi Power hammer bite, but one thing I've yet to get is M1 Thumb, in spite of having my 1941 M1 Rifle for about 4 years or so. Then of course there was the bruising on my right shoulder on my first few trips to the range shooting rifles and shotguns, but I think that's common with everyone.
Actually the trench guns were made to accept the Pattern 1913/Model1917 bayonets, which were used respectively on the British Pattern 1914 Enfield and the American Model 1917 Enfield rifles. The two bayonets differ only in their markings. Likewise most of the American marked bayonets have a drainage hole in the pommel. They differ from the Pattern 1907 bayonets were made for the SMLE No.1 MkIII rifles and differ from the 1913/1917 bayonets in that the barrel ring is closer to the rest of the bayonet.
Seeing the exposed action on the shotgun's right side must have made a few duck hunters nervous as the rain leaked in, or the dust in a desert environment while hunting partridge. Nice shooters though, appreciate the video explain how Spencer was involved in the 1893 design.
Just picked up an 1893 at a local gun show not knowing exactly what it was, a little more skeptical about using it as my main use shotgun now, though i will be using 2 1/5 low power target shells. I suppose if its lasted this long it'll last a little longer.
God bless John browning. From handguns to machine guns to shotguns and more. I’d say one of if not THE best firearm designers in history
John Moses Browning, Patron Saint of Firearms.
Easily the best. Who else created legendary handguns, shotguns, rifles, and machine guns?
@@sammiches6859; ummm. Paul Mauser.
@@brushwolf Umm, Mauser didn't make machine guns or shotguns. In fact, it was mainly just the C96, Gewehr, and Karabiner he was known for. JMB has the 1886, 1887, 1897, 1911, Hi-Power, BAR, M2, M4 autocannon, Superposed Over-Under, Auto 5, Browning 22, and a great deal of others under his belt that are all truly legendary. A weapon for every occasion.
@@sammiches6859; Your original comment is taken in the context of "prolific firearms inventors". It is known and understood that Mauser didn't invent any shotguns. Paul Mauser, however, was much more than the C96, and his greatest invention, the Mauser action has influenced more rifles than any other design. For starters, a bewildering array of military Mauser derivatives, the influence of American designs like the Springfield M1903 (well known), influencing British design of the P14, and later the M1917(less known). Needless to say, his design has been copied more than ANY other rifle in history. Some of Mauser's designs and actions were also incorporated into Browning's own FN rifles (wink), Winchester, and Sako just to name a few. Not to re-mention the C96 but multiple auto pistols and revolver designs, cannons, the influence of the Chassepot which influenced nearly every military rifle in French service up to the 49/51 and even the FR1 still used today. Mauser was also responsible for designing one of the four parent cartridges that are the basis for nearly every rimless bottlenecked cartridge used today, it being 18 years older than one of the other 3 (30-06). There simply cannot be a discussion of firearms innovation without mentioning Mauser. In my opinion, his contributions to modern firearms are just as great as JMB.
German : "I'll drive"
American : "I'll ride shotgun"
German : ****S-W-E-A-T****
lol
LMAO!
My 1897 is a riot style built in the 20's. It breathes life into me everytime I take it out.
Spencer really was a great innovator, creating the very first magazine with an internal buttstock.
He was, but there was always someone just around the corner that could take the idea and skip his patents with a better take on the same idea.
I the the henry was the first internal magazine
This makes me want Ian to do a video about a gun that's been randomly generated, or maybe using a script written by AI, something along those lines. "Sam Colt's prototype water cooled flare pistol with a toggle-locked bayonet."
@@dominicvucic8654 The Henry's magazine couldn't be removed. Spencer's had one.
Man those 97s are terrific shotguns, I used one for my first real clay pigeon competition on a course and I'm no fantastic shot but I definitely performed better with the 97 than with any of the pretty double barrels and semi shotguns they had at each station.
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that old John Browning knew how to make a gun that works.
I have an 1897 and it is by far my favorite shotgun
I acquired an 1897 from a family member made in 1911, and I absolutely love this shotgun. Still functional, great craftsmanship, and fun.
aesthetically I love the military model of the 1897, it's one of those dream guns I doubt I ever own, but if I did, I be one happy man.
Thanks for posting this, my late Uncle gave me a "97 which was made in 1908 with near perfect blueing. I used to dove hunt with it until I decided to retire her when he gave me his 870 but she is still the prize in my collection !
My father owns an 1893, I've got no clue how he got his hands on it but I've gotten the chance to fire it a few times. Definitely a very fun shotgun to shoot.
In hindsight, it really makes a tremendous amount of sense what they did about the 1893s; they were a lawsuit just asking to happen when they exploded from using the wrong ammunition. It was pretty cool that they offered to trade a brand new 1897, a lot of companies would just let the old guns explode and play dumb when the lawsuits inevitably happened. Winchester went so far as to destroy any and all 1893s they got their hands on, to ensure they didn't wind up back in circulation somehow or another. In a way, it sucks today that 1893s are so scarce because of it, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense, and was a surprisingly honest business practice you don't see much in the industry, especially today. And because so many were destroyed, 1893s do have the inadvertent collector's appeal to them today.
Have my Dad's Uncles 1893......in great shape. Shoot black powder shells only. Love it !!!
My first shotgun was a 1897. And I still have it. Love that gun.
I've always loved the 1897. My friend has one at its a blast to shoot. The slam fire is pretty awesome and it's funny to see people's reaction when you rack off six shells fairly fast. As always thanks Ian for the videos I've learned a lot from them.
What a pleasure to watch and really hit home for me. My grandfather had a 83' and left it do my Dad when hr passed away. Sadly though my father lost it during a house fire. Thanks for the video, brings back some fond memories.
Oops a 93', hate typos.
Thanks for the insightful information - my contribution to this incredible Winchester story is that I am the proud owner and still user of a 1905 Model 97 16 gauge and also a 1948 Model 94 30 WCF - these incredibly designed weapons make me look good.
my step-father, the gun and cartridge collector, owned a model '97 12 ga. and we used to shoot it at Oakland Rifle and Pistol Club; as well as using it for Pheasant Season in Live Oak, Calif.
I always had a fascination with the 97. Back in 2005, a friend gave me one (made in 1913) that was so trashed it needs restoration before it can used. Haven't got around to bringing back to life, so when I found a current production Chinese clone of the 1897 in riot configuration, I bought one. Love it...not as well finished as original Winchesters, but good quality and functions perfectly. The same friend gave me a Model 1912 (made 1936) that was fully functional, and as great as the Model 12 is, there's something very appealing to a exposed hammer pump gun.
God, what majestic weapons. Regardless of practicality by modern standards, there's something absolutely beautiful about watching the actions on these work.
My brother owns a 1893 winchester 12ga. I fired it many years ago and I loved it .
My dad bought his 97 at the goodyear employee store in akron . I think about 1960 ? Still have it and its gorgeous . blue is 90% and stock is the same .
I recently inherited my great great grandfather's model 1987 that he carried as sherif. The serial number dates to 1910
I left the Garand Thumb video on this gun to come watch your video before returning to his.
love my 1897's....have both the 12 and 16.......grew up watching grandpa hunting with this shotgun.....have know owned 4 of them......still have 3......between them and my model 12's..great guns....
Always a go to video. Well researched and authoritatively presented. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and interest.
So many thanks Ian for creating YOUR very own category, along with your utterly unique History lessons!; Many thanks & Blessings!!.🙂🙏🙏🙏
I feel fortunate than I'm going to be getting my own 1897.
I've got an 1893. How it got to the U.K. is a mystery. It has a single digit serial number so was one of the very first made.
absolutely LOVE the 1897
i can't wait to get one
luckily it's older than 1900 so it's way easier to aquire where I live too (normally)
I was blessed with the chance to hunt water fowel and pheasants with a 1905 version of the Model 97. It was an experience that I have long cherished and a great gun to shoot.
Found a 1897 Winchester in my barn that I forgot about for 30 years 😟
A little surface rust, but it's cleaning up well ✝️🇺🇸😀👍
No wonder this is the bar at which all other pump shotguns after were judged on
The Gamer yeah basically is it effective is it decent out together to stand rough climates and such and can it be used commercially
Just got the book. Had to rewatch this after learning about the 1893.
Hey Ian, not sure if you still monitor the comments on these older videos, but I just picked up an 1897 over the weekend. The serial number puts the manufacture date at 1913. I know it's probably not a good idea to shoot modern buckshot and whatnot out of (I wasn't planning on it anyway), but is it safe to use with modern factory loaded birdshot? Specifically 7 1/2 and 8 shot? I'm not planning to shoot it a lot but I would like to be able to take it out and enjoy it every once and a while. Thanks for the videos!
+47MasoN47 With an 1897 from 1913 you should be fine with any normal modern ammo, as long as you stick to 2 3/4" shells.
+Forgotten Weapons Great! I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for replying, I love your videos!
+47MasoN47 a fellow 1897 owner, welcome to the club my man. xD watch out for magnum loads.
"Modern" buckshot is exactly the same pressure level as 1914 buckshot. as long as the internal parts pass visual inspection; there's nothing to worry about. Obviously, as Ian says; you can't use over-length shells.
1897s were used in the Philippine War with military double aught brass shells (to resist corrosion). I doubt they'll struggle with plastic.
Love the patina on those two shotguns!
Bought the airgun th-cam.com/users/postUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL for pest control. Initially sighted-in with lead pellets but after about 100 shots decided to upgrade to the faster PBA Platinum pellets (spec'd at 1250 fps). The picture shows the distribution of 11 pellets on a target at ~20 yards. Overall, very happy with the handling of the Varmint, little recoil, no scope creep (make sure to follow the installation instructions that include the lock pin!), lightweight and fits nicely in a standard carrying case. The airgun is loud, more so shooting with PBA pellets. Something to consider if that's a possible issue in your environment / neighborhood.Update: considering upgrading to a more powerful 0.22, likely Gamo Magnum. I'm not thrilled about using toxic lead pellets but there's no other way to get sufficient impact without lead weight as far as I can tell, which is needed for adult iguanas pest control.
John browning. The man, the myth, the legend.
Very helpful video. Thank you. I have one of each 1893 and 1897.
This brought back memories for. My dad had this gun, I used it as well.
Very nice! My great great grandfather brought his family and a 1897 Winchester to Oklahoma Territory from Alvarado Tx and drew a 1/4 section of land.
I purchased an 1897 in horrible condition about half a year ago. I've been restoring it, and was gifted an original one with full matching serial #s just the other day. I would highly recommend to any of you to pick up one of these shotguns if you have the opportunity. Even buying a project one is fun, and parts are abundant.
Thank you for posting this. I've only seen one 1893 offered for sale over the twenty something years I have been going to gun shows. In that same time I've seen three one of one thousand and two black diamonds in the same time frame.
I had a relative give me two old shotguns. He dropped them off in a double sided case and told me they were Model 12s. I opened the case to find a pigeon grade 1897 12 ga and a pigeon grade 16 ga. Both were in beautiful condition and the engraving was magnificent.
I have saw a Winchester 1893 for sale at least 2 times in the past 5 years. The Winchester 1893 I own is one that I bought off of a friend, and I had to restore it to make it functional. I shoot it with Magtech brass shells with black powder.
Getting my 30 inch cut to 20 today can't wait
Aaahhh...slam fire! I had an old J C Higgins pump that could slam fire. The action was so fast, you didn't need to slam fire. I could fire 3 aimed shots in under 2 seconds.
My Grandfather just gave me his fathers 1897 (1907) take down as well as an extra "action half". I have it cleaned, oiled and hanging on my saddle for almost daily farm checks.
Man I love the Winchester M1897
Having just last night disassembled and cleaned my IAC M97 for the first time, I see why you did not attempt a "field strip" on camera!
I have the OG winchester version. Yeah I took out a screw driver kit and the smallest bits I had were too big. Had to take out my screw driver kit for computers just to disassemble the thing. I will say that it is a testament to the machining of that time (no auto feeds, all by hand) to have screws that small in a good functioning shotgun.
The 1897 technically has a disconnector, it just acts in a way that the whole firing group, minus the trigger, pivots down and back from the trigger when opened, so when the action is closed, the sear actually hits against the trigger (as opposed to the usual vice versa) and that is why it can slam fire.
I do love how the Germans, who started the use of chemical weapons in WW1, were pissed about Americans using these shotguns because they were so damn effective.
Germans: *use mustard gas and other chem weapons*
Also Germans: Shotgun OP, plz nerf
@@cptTK421
America: No u
sorry to say mate that you are wrong about the gremans being the first to use gas in ww1. the French beat them to it by a number of months. the germans also ended up using the stuff less over the length of the war than both us brits and the french.
its amusing the way bull sh1t proper gander from over a hundred years ago is still going strong today.
@@tommyfred6180 The first casualty of WAR is truth - still evident in today’s war on corona…
@@davekeating. yep mate truth seems to get dragged into an ally and the crap kicked out of it far to often :)
Id love to see a review and shooting of the 1897.I have one my self it was made in 1907 and is a dream to shoot.
I had an 1897 and it was built like a champ and easily taken apart with a flat tip screwdriver. I just came across another one the other day
Imagine stabbing someone with the bayonet, then, while it's still in them, pulling the trigger. Brutal, and I bet it happened.
Yeah but that's you a rather sissy type. This war was fought by real men, had brutal hand to hand combat. It definitely happend.
That is indeed an accepted method of getting a stuck bayonet loose.
Weedus
There were stories told by US soldiers in Vietnam that said they would get thier bayonets stuck in the chest of Vietcong and would shoot so that the recoil would pull it out.
Im more than sure it happened in WW1.
if by 'men' you mean boys who where barely 18 when they where send to the fronts than sure... Go take a look at one of the cementeries around Verdun. Most of the people buried there weren't old enough to buy a beer in the States.
Back then, they were men. 'Manhood' came when they could fend for themselves and raise families--often by mid-teens. Of course, people generally didn't live as long, either. Mid-30s was getting old.
I own a model '97 manufactured in 1902. I love this gun.
i have a great 93 winchester, and always wondered the value of it, its in very very good condition, and doesn't look more than 20 years old
I almost bought a model 1893 last year, and then did a little research and decided against it. Thanks for the review and the information.
Nice! I got a vintage 1987 take down for Christmas from my uncle. I tore it apart and cleaned it up. The internals seem to be in good working order. Sadly the wood is not in the best condition and the original foregrip is missing.
Winchester 1897 early slam-fire pump action shotgun
another difference between the two is the 1893 is not consider a firearm where as most of the 1897s are
You wouldn't want to use modern loads in an 1893. Where as the 1897's can shoot modern shells (average birdshot, et c) and occasionally you can find one made before jan 1,1899 making it an antique firearm (no paperwork necessary)
@@WildAthletics A 1893 is just as strong as a 1897,i save u a long story by the actions of both guns handle the recoil of smokeless loads with easy both of them and the barrels are identical in terms steel quaility and thickness (the 93 has a slightly thicker chamber) the real danger in a 1893 is not the weakness but if u cycle the action nothing locks the ejection port,meaning shells that pop out of the mag tube can fall out of the action or as i experianced myself a few times,the new shell falls half out of the ejection port and the gets stuck between the top of the receiver and the carrier and then bolt moves forward and the extractor can hit on the primer............I shoot only smokeless loads in my 93,s including 1700 fps 1oz slugs and i am doing that for years now.....So dont tell me a 93 is weak..
My hobby is to convert 93,s to 97,s meaning putting a 97 bolt and carrier in a 93 so the guns can be used safely.
My 1897 was made in 1898. Lucky find and probably my favorite antique I own. I shoot it a decent bit and have debated hunting with it.
@john thonig Yeah u can shoot buckshot and other heavy loads out of a 97 cause the barrel will handle ever pressure of a normal 2 3/4h inch shell u can buy that means if the bore is in good condition.
I shoot slugs out of a 1893 cause i found out the 1893 and early 1897s have exactly the same barrels those 93/97barrels can handle every loads but use lead shot only is my advice cause techncial the steel is contained in the wad and has no contact with the bore but i saw a few barrels with micro scratches in the bore caused by steel shot.
I shoot these 93s now for like 5 years and i shot several 100 shots in them all in smokeless powder from small 7/8oz loads all the way to 1.25oz loads in high velocity but only with lead shot/slugs/buckshot.
There is a video of hickock 45 shooting a Terminator 2 look a like 1887 lever gun thats a replica and if u look closely u can see there are holes drilled above the chamber or close to the chamber to mount a scoop...Wenn i saw that and i have more faith in my old 1893 and 1887 then ever to shoot it safely with smokeless powder
One of the issues with the 12 gauge Black Powder shotshells .vs. Smokeless shotshell, besides the higher pressure (if the barrel is chambered for the smokeless shotshell) is that with the Smokeless shotshell being slightly longer (an eighth of an inch (~3.2mm)) the end of the shotshell doesn't fully open and creates a spot where the shot or slug will hang up for a short moment which will make one "heck" of a pressure spike!!!
The shotshell length is a measurement of the hull without a crimp. This is why in some shotguns that are rated for 2.75" (70mm) you can actually chamber 3" shotshells (76.2mm)!!! This is obviously an even bigger issue than that of a 2.75" in a 2.625" barrel (if both were loaded with black powder)! This can, and eventually will, cause a burst barrel at the end of the chamber in the barrel...
I have a model 1897 I inherited from my grandfather. Neat old shotgun
In the 90s, the Army still had mod 1897 trench guns. We had them in Panama and at Ft Campbell.
Thank you , Ian .
I love the 1897 it is a cool shotgun and it works good and it is intimidating in its trench configuration also it is unique and I really want one.
great video, thanks a lot
I've got 2 ol 97s. My dad had one and the day I got out of the Navy, I bought one of my shipmates with discharge pay. I think it was $75 for the gun, but that was in 1975. When dad died I inherited.
The 1893 was also offered with Damascus barrels for about $2 more than the "fluid steel" barrel. My Great Grandfather bought an 1893 new and refused to pay the extra $2 which turned out to be a wise decision. It has had thousands of rounds put through it, most of them 2 3/4 inch. It's never failed, is still in perfect working order and still in the family. However, it has been retired in favor of newer shotguns.
glad to hear its lasted i just picked one up and put a few target load 2 3/4 rounds through it. ill be buying 2 1/2 from now on but i figured a light load 3/4 would be fine to test it out.
I have 2 1897,love them!
I check you're channel for a new video I find them very interesting keep it up ian from not so sunny England.
Once again, great video.
Mr. Spencer is Edison of firearms!
Or rather Tesla.
Thanks for the vid sir.👍🏼👍🏼
6:10 how are you closing the action that slowly with out it jamming up? My 1897 gets stuck if I don't slam it forward.
Mine does that too
SWITS Feral Did you make sure your headspace isn't too tight?
Nevermind, you are talking about when the gun is empty. Such a problem could be with the extractors, the cam in the lifter/ breechblock, the way the pump fits on the magazine tube, or the shell flag could be catching.
Some say it is a safety feature. Mine does it some times. Send it into a gunsmith and is better nou.
Man I missed that introduction , it needs to come back
Love my Model 97. Still shoot clays with and hunt with it.
I have a '97 that I traded for in Alaska decades ago. I traded a Smith & Wesson .22 revolver for it. Everyone thought I was nuts and at the time it was not a good financial deal on my part, the value of the .22 being far greater. However, I didn't have a shotgun with me and I wanted to shoot some emperor geese. I still have the '97 that was made in 1929. I suspect that it is now worth more than the .22 would be with the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting. And I did shoot quite a few emperor geese which can no longer be hunted. So it turned out to be a good longterm investment although everyone at the time said I was nuts trading a nice new revolver for an old POS shotgun.
Only $800 for em! If Australia had better firearm laws I would be placing a bid :(
Great video. I thought the 1897 was the first Pump action so good to learn it wasnt and who really was the first creator of them.
I ran across a guy using one of these duck hunting fall of 2016 in southest Wisconsin. We had to stop and asking him about it. The guy was around 60 and he said he as been using it for 40 years. The guy could afford a modern one. He pulled in the parking lot driving a Cadillac Escalade gold edition, wearing nothing but Sitka camo and pulling a $25,00 duck boat.
The model 1897 is just plain outstanding.
the M97 a good hunting and home defense shotgun especially in its WW1 Trench Broom or Trench gun configuration
Resting in my gun safe is my Grampa's old M-97. It has a full choke 30" barrel. My Grampa couldn't see to shoot a rifle, but he sure could get a pheasant with that 97. I got it from my Dad. I'll have to show it to my son and grandson and tell them the story of the pheasant that I had to cross three barb wire fences to get after my Grampa shot it down.
Skipped right over the 1887 lever action shotgun. :)
I have my grandfathers 1893. My grandfather bought it shot it once and it about blew up. He sent it to the manufacturer and they repaired it and sent it back. Hasn't been shot since and is in mint condition.
I need to shoot it see if it works right now haha with the short paper cartridges of course.
Interesting and a real nice pair of shot guns
I have 97's in both 12 & 16 ,and a 93 I've never shot... The 12 gauge 97 was my grandfather's from about 1902, And the 16 was my father's. The 93 was from my grandfather also, but I don't really know the history.
6:27 In World War I The slam firing was how the gun got its nickname trench gun The slamfire was extremely extremely extremely effective in close quarter trench combat The Germans wanted The trench gun to be banned from warfare as a result. The slam fire was extremely effective maybe not so much in a civilian role but if you're in a close quarter trench and you got a bunch of enemies and you got a trench gun in your hand You're going to use that slam firing feature
Solid frame 1897s seem to be harder to find. I'm glad I have one, though. I don't reckon I take kindly to takedown guns.
We have this gun and the one we have was produced in 1896
Ian, my father currently owns two '93s, one is the same as what you have in the video, the other has the sheet cartridge guide like a '97 on the carrier and has a breech bolt lock like a '97 (but no release button). I found reference at one point over the years that some 93's were modified by Winchester for smokeless use, and I believe his is one of them. In any event it is an interesting transition between the 93 and 97. I will attempt to get photos of it to email you.
can you showcase the Pancor Jackhammer?
If I can ever get my hands on one, yes.
Forgotten Weapons I wish you luck.
Forgotten Weapons you mean THE one
SamuraiPie8111 Wasn't there 2 functioning prototypes?
+Edmund Loong Looks like your wish has come true XD
That case where you chamber a round while holding the trigger making it fire is called slam-firing
They re great, norinco makes a decent copy
About the M1897 bayonet lug. If I recall correctly, it's actually made to accept Pattern 1907 bayonets, which are British, made for the Mk.III Lee Enfield, or more commonly simply known as the SMLE. Has a menacing 17" or so blade, so when taken off your rifle or shotgun, can be used as a shortsword. They did NOT frig around in WWI lol
Also, Ian, seems like you've got an 'owie' on every other video. Now it's a bandage on your thumb. You may love firearms just as I do, but I'm not entirely sure the affection is reciprocated. I think it might be interesting if you started mentioning burns/cuts on your hands in future vids, let us know what design it came from and how you got it. For instance, I once burned my hand on my SKS-45 when I stupidly went to take it from my friend by the gas tube/barrel because his hand was on the fore end of the stock. Then when I first got my M1911A1 almost 7 years ago, somehow I manage to squat the meat of palm at the base of my left thumb in the ejection port. lol
A TT-33 very nearly gave my eye a good whack. While disassembling, I didn't have full control of that taut recoil spring, and it got away from me. The little cap at the end of it flicked off right in my face, striking me JUST below one of my eyes. Then there's a bit of Hi Power hammer bite, but one thing I've yet to get is M1 Thumb, in spite of having my 1941 M1 Rifle for about 4 years or so. Then of course there was the bruising on my right shoulder on my first few trips to the range shooting rifles and shotguns, but I think that's common with everyone.
Actually the trench guns were made to accept the Pattern 1913/Model1917 bayonets, which were used respectively on the British Pattern 1914 Enfield and the American Model 1917 Enfield rifles. The two bayonets differ only in their markings. Likewise most of the American marked bayonets have a drainage hole in the pommel. They differ from the Pattern 1907 bayonets were made for the SMLE No.1 MkIII rifles and differ from the 1913/1917 bayonets in that the barrel ring is closer to the rest of the bayonet.
True Winchesters are the best Winchesters
Who would dislike one of Ian's videos?
Seeing the exposed action on the shotgun's right side must have made a few duck hunters nervous as the rain leaked in, or the dust in a desert environment while hunting partridge. Nice shooters though, appreciate the video explain how Spencer was involved in the 1893 design.
I would love to see the Winchester 1887 lever action shotgun.
I love the looks of the 1893 pump shotgun than the modern day pump action
There is the 93/97 which is safe to use...and has the look of the 93!
I have my dads old 97 & still use it to bag squirrels. Built like a tank & expect it to go another 100 years.
Just picked up an 1893 at a local gun show not knowing exactly what it was, a little more skeptical about using it as my main use shotgun now, though i will be using 2 1/5 low power target shells. I suppose if its lasted this long it'll last a little longer.
Sorry 1897 24 inch he was guard on mail car on train, I've used it a lot, love it.