How do you breakdown a Winchester model 1897?

Answer 1

Takedown of Winchester 97 "Takedown" models. All direction descriptions based upon if you were holding the shotgun in a shooting position.

If anything doesn't move easily, STOP. Occasionally the band holding the magazine and barrel will slide backward and prevent enough movement of the mag tube and action bar to clear the receiver.

1. Open the action and ensure it is unloaded. Cycle the action, open it up and make sure it is unloaded, again.

2. Close the action and slowly release the hammer to its down position.

3. At the end of the magazine tube, there is a takedown pin. Slide it from Up/Left to Down/Right. Ensure that the up/left end of the pin is even with the magazine tube.

4. Using the pin, turn the magazine tube 90 degrees, clockwise.

5. Slide the Magazine tube forward. About 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

6. Slide the forearm forward as well.

7. Rotate the entire barrel / mag tube assembly approximately 90 degrees, clockwise. This is an approximate number as there is an adjustment feature built in, that may need more or less.

8. Pull the barrel/mag assembly straight forward.

9. Reverse the steps to re-assemble.

It is not recommended that you disassemble any further than this, as the 97 is pretty complicated.

Note: These instructions ONLY apply to the takedown version of the gun. If it down nothave a pin protruding from the front of the magazine, it is NOT the takedown version.