Winchester 1897 takedown collar problem

[cal44walker]

Just picked up a Winchester 1897 takedown in 12 gauge from 1910 in real good mechanical condition. Just finished checking it over and made a few small modifications to the chamber to lengthen it to 2 3/4 so I can use everything from short home roll crimped shells to factory 2 3/4 loads. Should prevent overpressure with any factory loads as the original chamber measure about 2.5 at the most....   The forcing cone was also rediculously short form the days of paper shells so that was lengthened in the process. The extra jump should in thoery also help the shot to spread for CAS shooting at short range when using short shells with wads.

The only problem I have is the adjustment collar on the barrel takedown housing appears to be seized up. I hav'nt tried to really move it forcefully yet but I have not found any info on the web about them getting stuck. The toothed lock and screw have been withdrawn so it should move freely......unless it was last done n 1910.... .

cal44walker

[Pettifogger]

All 97s had 2 3/4" chambers, but you are right about the forcing cone.  Can be lengthened for modern shells.  Some of these guns have had all manner of "fixes" over the years when they loosened up or needed work.  The adjusting collar could just be dirty/rusted in place or someone could have put locktite on it.

[Blackfoot]

Be careful in your attempts to break it loose.  If all else fails, use a shim.

Blackfoot

[Cactus Mac]

The first .250" of the chamber is in the chambe ring which is held in the receiver with two small screws on the left and right side of the receiver.  The adjusting sleeve is only moved to correct barrel assembly/receiver looseness.  If Loctite was used by a former owner, heat it with a propane torch to free the Loctite.  If that doesn't work, submerge the chamber end of the barrel in Kroil for about a day or two to see if that frees it up.

[cal44walker]

Got it free. An hour in a hot ultrasound cleaner and some heat with a propane torch and it was off. As an added bonus it was on the second lowest notch so there is plenty of adjustment left to keep the takedown joint tight.

cal44walker