Author Topic: model 97 barrels (Read 864 times)

kevin.303 · « **on:** April 30, 2005, 05:34:49 PM »

i've got an idea and i need an answer. Norinco makes clones of the Winchester model 97 for $349 Cdn. i've looked for original 97's but haven't found any in the condition and price range i'm after, and i'm cheap, so i probably won't. i want it for hunting, the chinese clones are made for CAS and have a 20" barrel. you can also get a trench gun version. i've been told that a 20" barrel is fine for a lot of hunting, but i prefer the look of a longer barrel. what i want to know is how available are replacment barrels, and whats the average price. if it's anything like the other Norinco firearms, 99% of the parts should interchange without a problem. i noticed Numrich lists a 20" trench gun barrel for 97's and model 12's, so can a normal model 12 barrel fit a 97 reciever as well?

PS. pleas don't turn this into a " why i won't buy Norinco products " thread, we've already got a few of those.

thanks
Kevin

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2005, 05:48:51 PM »

Problem with this plan is two fold. First the barrels for the Model 97 like the Model 12 weren't "really" interchangeable as we now think of it. They are kinda fitted to the frame not just put on and take off parts like most pump and semiatuos today are. Second is barrels for the 97 aren't that cheap or easy to find.

You might find it better to have someone fit an extension sleeve to extend the barrel length. Any good machinist or gunsmith worth the name can do it. Can even fit it with choke tubes while they are at it.

kevin.303 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2005, 06:08:23 PM »

i noticed on Numrich the barrels where threaded like a rifles. the norinco has a fixed modifed choke, but that could be reamed out. probably the only 97's safe for steel! i wasn't planning to switch back and forth between barrels, i'd get a long barrel and get rid of the 20". i'll have to keep my eyes open at gunshows for a barrel, but i'm still a bit confused by you answer. so a model 12 barrel would thread into a 97 receiver? they have 30"barrels at numrich for $107, which isn't to bad. who knows, in the long run the 20" might work for my needs, and i'll just keep my eyes open and cash saved for a good condition real 97 with a 30 inch barrel.

Critter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2005, 08:55:49 AM »

They imported a number of 26" barrel Norinco 97's. How many I don't know but they are out there.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2005, 04:41:16 PM »

I did NOT mean to imply Model 12 and Model 97 barrels are interchangeable. That I do not know. I am not a fan of either and haven't owned a Model 12 in over 20 and perhaps over 30 years. Never owned a Model 97.

I think they both go on the same tho but am not sure if interchangeable.

kevin.303 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:19:31 PM »

well, i only want it for bunnies and upland birds, i was talking with a guy in the weekend that owns one and says for that purpose the 20" barrel is fine. makes for a handy slug gun too. onyl problem is my local dealer dropped the prices of the Traditions ALS 2100, now i can't decide between a pump or a semi auto.

Flash · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2005, 02:10:04 PM »

The Model 97 has the breach bolt travel over your thumb when you cock it. This is the only bad feature of that gun regardless of who makes it and in my opinion makes it undesirable. Graybeard is right, the Winchester guns of old were fitted together, not just mass produced from parts bins. This is especially true of the older Model 97 and the Model 12. It's doubtful that anything from a Norinco would fit a Winchester and vise versa. The Chinese don't hold a close tollerance with their machining and even though the parts are the same, one might be .010 larger or smaller than the other and this in firearms isn't a safe recipe. I'll bet a Norinco barrel will go onto a Winchester receiver but getting it to fire might be a whole different story.

kevin.303 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2005, 05:07:38 PM »

don't be to be too sure about that, both the Norinco 1911's and M14's will swap parts with their American made counterparts, and i think the 870 clone as well. still i'll probably just get the Traditions in the long run, so i don't have to buy another gun when i change my mind on what i want to hunt. got the money for a 1911 saved, just need the licence