Lengthen chamber Win 97?

[McCrower]

I have an old 12ga. Win 1897 shotgun from 1909, which I use only for CAS and only light lead 70mm (2 3/4") ammo. Do I have to lengthen the chamber to prevent high chamber pressure or damage in the long run?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I'd love to know that as well. Mine is a 1908.

For Wild Bunch i use 2 3/8" cases roll crimped and get the extra round in the tube without any gunsmithing or follower changes.

[Coffinmaker]

YES.  To both you guys.  The early 97s were built with 2 1/2 inch chambers.  The chambers need to be recut to modern 2 3/4 and the forcing cone lengthened.  This can be done in one pass with a modern cutter.

And for those with early guns marked 2 3/4, those guns were chambered for ROLL CRIMP and will also generate excess chamber pressure.  the other benefit to recutting the chamber and a longer forcing cone is much less felt recoil.  Get it done.

Coffinmaker

[Gabriel Law]

I did...love my old gun!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I also have an 1953, which I assume has the longer chamber. I used it in a Cowboy match only once but took an overall win. Of course, I was practising twice a week then and buying & shooting .22 LR by to case.

[Coffinmaker]

Sir Charles,

Yep.  Late 40s, early 50s production.  I don't actually remember when the '97 went to the "modern" 2 3/4 chamber that allows the star crimp to unfold.  When the shop was open, when the '97s came in, I always measured the chamber.  I had a special "blank" I used.  If it wouldn't go, the chamber needed recut.

Coffinmaker