Saw Dad this weekend and he "permanently loaned" me Great Grandpa Earl's Winchester model 1897 16guage shotgun.
I just started getting into hunting and busting clays. Dad thought I would get some use out of it. This thing has no lubrication and it takes all of my strength to pump the action.
Just wanted some educated comments and tips on what I should do to get the gun in shape and what should I expect from a gun this old. Other than the intrinsic value of Great Grandpa's Gun, do I have a good gun?
BTW - last patent date on the bbl is 1910. What does this tell me?
I just started getting into hunting and busting clays. Dad thought I would get some use out of it. This thing has no lubrication and it takes all of my strength to pump the action.
Just wanted some educated comments and tips on what I should do to get the gun in shape and what should I expect from a gun this old. Other than the intrinsic value of Great Grandpa's Gun, do I have a good gun?
BTW - last patent date on the bbl is 1910. What does this tell me?