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Chinese Model 97
- Thread starter BigG
- Start date
It's a cheap copy of an excellent design. As mentioned elsewhere, Norinco has not much rep for warranty work, and quality seems to vary greatly.
The M-14 copy they make breaks down a lot, and parts are off spec. Receivers are soft, to the point where many smiths who do High Power Match rifles refuse to work on them.
OTOH, their GM copy has been used by top smiths to make race guns.
I've reservations about using ChiCom made anything. You may note they're the only major power not even paying lip service to the War against Terror.
As for the REAL 97, it is in many ways the best fighting shotgun ever made. Superbly reliable, good capacity, simple MOA, ambidextrous, it's major flaw is it requires precision machining and lots of hand labor to make.Triggers usually need some attention. JMB must have had hands like his Blacksmith Grandpa.
However, the 97's rapidly moving into collector status. A 97 collector may have as much tied up in his guns as a Parker collector who goes for field grades.
One was part of my crew equipment long ago and far away in a place full of ChiCom guns.Wish I still had it, and a certain M-14 also.
For $350, one can get a new 870 in the Police model w/ 2 shot mag extension, some ammo and some range time. For less than $300, one can get a used Police turnin 870, LOTS of ammo, and mo' range time.
The M-14 copy they make breaks down a lot, and parts are off spec. Receivers are soft, to the point where many smiths who do High Power Match rifles refuse to work on them.
OTOH, their GM copy has been used by top smiths to make race guns.
I've reservations about using ChiCom made anything. You may note they're the only major power not even paying lip service to the War against Terror.
As for the REAL 97, it is in many ways the best fighting shotgun ever made. Superbly reliable, good capacity, simple MOA, ambidextrous, it's major flaw is it requires precision machining and lots of hand labor to make.Triggers usually need some attention. JMB must have had hands like his Blacksmith Grandpa.
However, the 97's rapidly moving into collector status. A 97 collector may have as much tied up in his guns as a Parker collector who goes for field grades.
One was part of my crew equipment long ago and far away in a place full of ChiCom guns.Wish I still had it, and a certain M-14 also.
For $350, one can get a new 870 in the Police model w/ 2 shot mag extension, some ammo and some range time. For less than $300, one can get a used Police turnin 870, LOTS of ammo, and mo' range time.
Dave, understand the reservations. I don't need a new SG, just a mere twinkle in my eye if you know what I mean.
The 870, while justly renowned will never take the place in my heart of a 97, especially a Win 97. However, the original ones I've seen around are so worn out they are almost worthless and maybe dangerous to shoot. Otherwise they are priced beyond the stratosphere. Actually, I have never seen a nice condition one at a gunshow as they were working guns.
The Norinco 97 looked very rough and was stocked in something akin to an AK47 grade wood. About $125 would be a fair price in my estimation.
CR, thanks for the helpful comments. I will do without a 97 somehow!
The 870, while justly renowned will never take the place in my heart of a 97, especially a Win 97. However, the original ones I've seen around are so worn out they are almost worthless and maybe dangerous to shoot. Otherwise they are priced beyond the stratosphere. Actually, I have never seen a nice condition one at a gunshow as they were working guns.
The Norinco 97 looked very rough and was stocked in something akin to an AK47 grade wood. About $125 would be a fair price in my estimation.
CR, thanks for the helpful comments. I will do without a 97 somehow!