Difference between Win 97 and modern pump actions

[TheOtherLeft]

Hi all,

Is there much of a difference in development between the Win 97 and modern day pumps (eg Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870), other than the exposed hammer?

[Coffinmaker]

You Betcha.
The Winchester '97 lockup is accomplished between the Carrier and the Breach Block (bolt).  It's a "ledge and wedge" sort of lockup.  The progression of guns went to locking the Breach Block into the breach end of the barrel.  Much stronger.  Remington and others also went to dual action slide bars to make the action smoother and more positive.
Oh, and they hid the hammer 

Coffinmaker

[Tall Dark Slim]

Two words: trigger disconnect.