Sidearms & Scatterguns To trench gun, or not to trench gun?

[Swingpress]

That is the question I’m facing! Always wanted an 1897 trench gun, but now that a donor is on the way I’m kinda having some reservations about chopping it. It was made in 1905, should I feel guilty if I go through with it?

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Don't fuck it up. Just get an 870 camp gun.

 

[Flintdog2011]

Why not find and buy an actual trench gun?!?

 

[Swingpress]

Why not find and buy an actual trench gun?!?

Hard to justify the prices I have been seeing. That’s the only reason I have even entertained the idea of modifying one. Also, I have seen a conversion finished with cerakote and it looked awesome in my opinion. It’s just a nagging desire at this point. I can always use another shotgun regardless! ?

 

[Flintdog2011]

10 4. I understand “another shotgun”. I too lusted after a trench gun for years, and finally bought one about ten years ago. The prices weren’t quite as high then.

 

[buffalowinter]

Over 1 million 1897 shotguns were produced. Not only does yours have no finish remaining, but it appears to have been polished. The rubber recoil pad is not original. Your shotgun, as shown, is worth from $495 to $695 assuming it is in good mechanical condition. Go ahead and make a trench gun out of it. I had several of these at one time for SASS cowboy action shooting, still have three and parts to make two more. The run of the mill 1897 does not bring much on the aftermarket, is readily available in large numbers , and are shooters, barring any rare variation or 100% mint unfired condition. My wife at World's with her 1897.

 

[Swingpress]

My God this thing is fun! ? I might need another!! Lol

 

[Stevo86]

Trench gun... you can find another one if you want to keep it original

 

[Bender]

How many trenches you been in lately?

 

[Swingpress]

How many trenches you been in lately?

0! And I’d like to keep it that way if I can have my preference! Lol

 

[FatBoy]

Do it, but take you're time and get all the parts together. There are a couple threads with the parts numbers. VJJPunisher did a great write up.

This was my Grandfathers shotgun and it was 10 kinds of fucked after a bad round bulged the barrel and broke the front receiver. Obviously was a take down, so it's no clone but I like it. . Took a lot of work to get it back into firing condition, and some custom made parts to properly convert to a non-takedown tube but this will go on to at least a 3rd generation of my family.

 

[hermosabeach]

It's not old enough to be a wall hanger.... Make it a shooter... If you will shoot the thing

I had to see old guns that are display only....

 

[packratt]

Do it, but take you're time and get all the parts together. There are a couple threads with the parts numbers. VJJPunisher did a great write up.

This was my Grandfathers shotgun and it was 10 kinds of fucked after a bad round bulged the barrel and broke the front receiver. Obviously was a take down, so it's no clone but I like it. . Took a lot of work to get it back into firing condition, and some custom made parts to properly convert to a non-takedown tube but this will go on to at least a 3rd generation of my family.

View attachment 7050201

Some of the WWII vintage 97 trench guns were takedown. This isn't the article where I originally read that but it is what I could find now.

The 1897 Winchester Trench Gun :: Guns.com

The 1897 Winchester Trench gun served with American infantrymen (grunts) in WWI, WWI, Korea and Vietnam as essential scouting weapons and for riot control.

www.guns.com

 

[Coffee_and_Pipes]

Is there anything nostalgic about the gun (i.e. it came from Great Grandpa, etc.)? If so, I’d leave it for the time being, just for sentimental reasons. You can always chop it up and modify it later. If it’s just an old shotgun, then why not go ahead and turn it into somethkng you might enjoy more?

My buddy is going through the same thing with an old Wingmaster he got from his grandfather. He’s trying to decide whether or not to turn it into a short barrel shotgun, but sentimental value has kept him from it so far.

 

[Jscb1b]

You can pick up the norinco copy for 500 bucks.