Winchester 97 Barrel Bulge

[Blacksmith101]

A friend has a Winchester Model 97 16 gauge pump and has noticed a slight bulge just above the chamber. The gun was made in 1906 and of course is his favorite. He didn't know the early guns were chambered for 2 9/16" shells so he has been shooting 2 3/4" whatever is on sale shells. I have explained why this is a problem. If he can get his gun re-barreled he will probably get the chamber reamed to 2 3/4".

For any who are not familiar with this problem Brownell's has a good write up on chamber sizes and reaming here:
https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/learn/Inst-100.pdf

So he is looking for a replacement 16 ga. barrel for a Winchester 97 and a good shotgun gunsmith. Any suggestions for either.

 

[38super]

You would be better off to buy a different gun. To find a 97 16 ga barrel and have it fitted is going to be expensive.

 

[bigjohn]

Try popperts.com for a replacement

 

[Blacksmith101]

You would be better off to buy a different gun. To find a 97 16 ga barrel and have it fitted is going to be expensive.

I already told him it will cost more than the gun is worth. But favorite gun and all.

Once he gets an estimate he may change his mind.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Try popperts.com for a replacement

Thanks but they only list the 12 ga.