[SNAFU-M1A]

I have a 1897 w/ the 30' barrel & want to put a trench gun barrel on it. Is switching barrels something I can do myself or does it require a gunsmith? If it does require a gunsmith who is a good '97 smith?

 

[Tulsey]

Your post did not say if you have a solid frame or a takedown model 97. You did not mention if you want to go the full trench gun with the heat guard or just want to short barrel. On a solid frame you will unscrew the original barrel and screw on the new one. If you are putting on a real trenchgun barrel it should already have the grove cut for the handguard screw...If you are putting a trenchgun barrel on a takedown model, you can or have a gunsmith try to screw out the original barrel from the collar and then carefully screw in the new barrel. A better way is to buy an extra collar and screw the new barrel in it so you could easily convert the 97 back. The collars can break so care should be done in installing the barrel to it. There are some tricks to fitting the barrels so I would suggest a gunsmith who knows about 97s. If you are going the whole trenchgun route on a takedown you need to buy a couple of extra parts to mount the handguard.

 

[SXer]

Changing barrels on a '97 is like doing it on a Mod.12. Don't try it! Send it to a pro who knows how to do it. Try Steve Fisher in Florida. He is good on those guns....Jack

 

[SNAFU-M1A]

Thanks guys, it's a takedown model & I'm going the full trench gun route. I have all the parts I need to convert it but wanted to ask before I screwed something up trying to switch barrels myself.

 

[kirbythegunsmith]

Let me know if you need some barrel fitting or other work done.
Barrel fitting is not for novices and does allow better function when finished properly and mated at the chamber ring/chamber blend.
I am a Winchester classic shotgun specialist, have spare chamber rings (and fitting tooling) for 97's and 12's, other spare parts and plenty of experience.

See my previous posts to know more about my input here about Winchesters.

[email protected]