Winchester 1897 concern

M

markrsims

Inactive
Picked up an 1897 on Gunbroker a couple of weeks ago. Nice old non-takedown gun from 1907, it had been nicely parkerized a while back (evidently due to some rust, it has light pitting on the triggerguard) and the wood has been replaced with nice, modern, but original shape stuff. I've not fired it, and everything seems tight, but when I cycle the slide, the bolt locks, but then I can wiggle the forearm (twisting back and forth) and the bolt unlocks.

Just wanted to see if this was common with these old girls, or If I should get it in to a 'smith. Don't want to end up eating a bolt.
 
Are you just twisting the forearm back and forth or are you adding some forward motion? IINM, the W-1897 unlocks with a forward motion of the forearm. More modern guns typically unlock with the action of the hammer falling (or a release control).

As with any newly acquired older gun, have a competent smith give it a safety check before you try any trigger time. You don't want a bolt for lunch. :eek:
 
I was twisting the forearm with a rotating motion.

ETA: Yes, I reread your answer, and I am appling some forward pressure too.
 
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