>https://www.galeriedemars.fr/armes-longues/12008-winchester-modele-1897-fusil-a-pompe-shotgun-calibre-16-70-71cm-de-1922-usa-xixe.htmlBuying original weapons from before 1900 is the only way to legally buy cartridge firearms without a license in my country
>>64748410Im not french, how the fuck would i know if thats a good deal on an antique shotgun in france?
>>64748410Unless you have a reason to buy 16 Gauge, get the proper 12 gauge. Use the money saved to hire a company to ship it over to you in France.https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=20082396Just realized you asked for non license/registered. Then go for it. That market you're always overpaying compared to registered guns where the market is larger. At least that's how I know it in Czech Republic with the 1890 cutoff date
>>64748410It seems to be in good condition. 1897s are fine weapons, but there are a few things to look for. If you can inspect it in person, check the bolt by pumping the grip all the way back, then grab the bolt and wiggle it from side to side. If it moves freely, with more than about 1-1.5mm total free movement, then there is significant wear on the internal frame rails and/or bolt. Do no purchase it with the intent to shoot it frequently or rely on it for self-defense if this is the case, as it cannot be repaired without replacing the frame and bolt. Also make sure that when it is cocked that the trigger breaks crisply and the hammer snaps down forcefully. A rough or gritty trigger, or one that is extremely light, indicates possible damage to or excessive wear of the sear or hammer stirrup. If the hammer falls sluggishly, the main spring may be cracked or simply worn out and will need to be replaced. Also, that is a take-down model. Make sure the takedown mechanism operates correctly. It should ideally be a very tight fit, though some movement is acceptable as it down not impede function or affect safe operation. If everything checks out, 2700 is probably a fair price for a model 1897 that is in visually good condition and does not require the purchaser to obtain a special license. I am not French and do not know the details of firearms pricing in France, but based on my limited knowledge of how the antique rules work that is probably a fair price. If you notice any issue with the trigger/hammer, be aware that the mainspring, hammer, and stirrup, are easily replaceable by an amateur at home with nothing more than a set of punches, a hammer, and a small flat blade screwdriver. In the US, at least, these parts are cheap and readily available, and will inevitably need to be replaced on nearly every 1897 that is shot regularly. I do not know if the parts are available for you in France, or if it is legal for you to buy parts or perform repairs yourself.
>>64748496To continue, from a collecting standpoint, 16ga are often more desirable, as fewer were made. Personally, I find 16ga to be an excellent chambering for the 97, for clay sports, waterfowl, and upland game. The recoil is not so great as the 12ga, and the weight of the weapon handsomely absorbs what recoil there is, meaning that the shooter feels only a mild impulse. You can do everything with a 16 that you can do with a 12, just with less abuse to your shoulder.
>>64748447In the US that would be good advice since 16ga is uncommon here. But if anon is French, that's a whole different ballgame. 16ga is common in France.I have no idea what a fair price would be in France. In the US it wouldn't be worth much because it's not in collector condition and its in an unpopular gauge.
>>64748510That gun is nowhere near collector desirable condition.
>>64748517Based on the photos, it would rate as a very strong NRA "Fine", arguably "Excellent" based on the pristine wood and the high degree of original finish. I would have to see it in person to grade it accurately. Most collectors would be pleased to have this weapon, especially as it is a less common 16ga. The main detractor is the large bark on the side of the frame, but otherwise this is a very nice weapon.
>>64748551pump handle looks refinished, screw slots look bubbaed, the wrist is almost certainly broken which is why it's been wrapped with string. It's not junk, I bet it's a fine shooter, but it's not some high grade piece that collectors would drool over.
>>64748575OP's picture is not the firearm on the listing. If you follow the link, you will see that it is a much nicer example. The OP picture is a low "Fair".
>>64748615My bad, I assumed it was the same gun. Yes, the one in the auction link is a lot nicer.
