I am hoping that someone could tell me how I can find the manufacture date of my Winchester model 1897 12 ga.. I found the Wild Cody Museum website, but they want $55 to research it. Any Info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for another great web site. My father had this gun and was completely restored 20+ years ago, and I have owned for the last five years. I have never fired it and was wandering if it would be safe to do so. The bore is nice and shiny, and the action works perfectly. I just didnt know if it would be wise given its age. I would really like to take it bird hunting, and thought I could use some low velocity ammo. I would take it to a gun smith but the nearest is about 3 hours away.
I've put 5 Winchester Super X "High Brass Game Loads" through mine without any problems just to try it out. Haven't shot it since though.
I beleve they are making some very low power loads for the old antique "coach guns" they use in SASS & CASS. Midway http://www.midwayusa.com/ may have'em.