Winchester Trench Gun

[jonah hex]

Hi
I Picked up a Winchester 97 trench gun at a gun show a few years ago.
I was lucky enough to pick it up cheap.   
It looks like it was used hard, but the action is smooth as glass.
I already have three other Shotguns I use for CAS --I just couldnt pass
this up.

Here is my rhetorical question:
Is there any reason I couldnt use it for a home defense shotgun?

My brother in law thinks the entire Idea of using a 60+ year old shotgun
for home defense is ridiculous.  But, I am comfortable with 97's and it works fine.
I dont see a reason why not to have it be my "go to" shotgun

[Blair]

Jonah,

Your choice of firearm is, for your proposed needs, an excellent idea!
  Blair

[Major 2]

NOTHING  say's GET !  better than a 12 Guage pump racked into battery

and a 60+ year old codger behind it ....

[Bugscuffle]

Yes Sir! Functionally it is a gereat choice for a home defense weapon. However, it is a bit pricey to use for that reason. Check out the prices on real (not just look alikes or clones) Winchester trench guns on Gunbroker. They will run you $1,000.00 and up!

[Drydock]

'Specialy if ya got the bayonet mounted!   

[Major 2]

Guess you missed ...where he posted

"Hi
I Picked up a Winchester 97 trench gun at a gun show a few years ago.
I was lucky enough to pick it up cheap. ...................

[Blair]

Bugs,

This is very true regarding the very specific "trench" designed shot guns.
However, the price of these guns pales by comparison to the bayonet designed for use on these "trench sweepers".
Not that one needs this adaptation for home defiance.
The '97 pump shot gun in all of its incarnations is an excellent choice, based on the original posters query.
Just my thoughts,
  Blair

[yeti76620]

NOTHING says more to Home Defense then a short BBL 12ga.... Mossberg500-Rem 870-Win'97

If it Racks-n-Rolls it's GOOD to GO!

[Red Cent]

And besides all that, I don't think he will wear it out .

[Bugscuffle]

And besides all that, I don't think he will wear it out .

That's true. If you wear out a '97 using it for home defense, it's time to relocate.

[Gen Lew Wallace]

I use my original 97 for home defense besides taking it to CAS shooting.  Like the pards said, the sound of putting a shotgun into battery is a universal sound that means "you're about to get plugged".

[John Smith]

Don't bet your life on "racking" a shotgun.  All it does is tell the BG where you are and that you're armed.

[Russ McCrae]

Very true on the racking a round but that crystal breaking click of a hammer pulled back and the moron turning around to see a 12 gauge barrel instead of a pistol is entertaining