Chinese Model 97

BigG · November 29, 2001, 07:14 PM

Anybody shot the new Norinco Model 97? I picked up one in the gunstore today. It was set up in riot configuration. Made me feel like one of the Wild Bunch for a few seconds.

Please report as I felt a quite a wave of nostalgia, but not enough to part with $350.

Popsicle · November 29, 2001, 11:31 PM

I also would like to hear some firsthand experience with these guns. I can get one for around 275.00 to 300.00, and probably would if I knew it could handle a fair amount of double ought buck. Neat guns all the same!

Pat Brophy

Dave McC · November 30, 2001, 07:43 AM

It's a cheap copy of an excellent design. As mentioned elsewhere, Norinco has not much rep for warranty work, and quality seems to vary greatly.

The M-14 copy they make breaks down a lot, and parts are off spec. Receivers are soft, to the point where many smiths who do High Power Match rifles refuse to work on them.

OTOH, their GM copy has been used by top smiths to make race guns.

I've reservations about using ChiCom made anything. You may note they're the only major power not even paying lip service to the War against Terror.

As for the REAL 97, it is in many ways the best fighting shotgun ever made. Superbly reliable, good capacity, simple MOA, ambidextrous, it's major flaw is it requires precision machining and lots of hand labor to make.Triggers usually need some attention. JMB must have had hands like his Blacksmith Grandpa.

However, the 97's rapidly moving into collector status. A 97 collector may have as much tied up in his guns as a Parker collector who goes for field grades.

One was part of my crew equipment long ago and far away in a place full of ChiCom guns.Wish I still had it, and a certain M-14 also.

For $350, one can get a new 870 in the Police model w/ 2 shot mag extension, some ammo and some range time. For less than $300, one can get a used Police turnin 870, LOTS of ammo, and mo' range time.

C.R.Sam · November 30, 2001, 11:57 AM

Politics bad
Quality bad.
Parts availability bad
Warrenty service bad.
Way overpriced

haven't owned, won't own, but know owners that are sorry.

Sam

BigG · November 30, 2001, 04:19 PM

Dave, understand the reservations. I don't need a new SG, just a mere twinkle in my eye if you know what I mean.

The 870, while justly renowned will never take the place in my heart of a 97, especially a Win 97. However, the original ones I've seen around are so worn out they are almost worthless and maybe dangerous to shoot. Otherwise they are priced beyond the stratosphere. Actually, I have never seen a nice condition one at a gunshow as they were working guns.

The Norinco 97 looked very rough and was stocked in something akin to an AK47 grade wood. About $125 would be a fair price in my estimation.

CR, thanks for the helpful comments. I will do without a 97 somehow!

November 29, 2001, 07:14 PM	#1
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	Chinese Model 97 Anybody shot the new Norinco Model 97? I picked up one in the gunstore today. It was set up in riot configuration. Made me feel like one of the Wild Bunch for a few seconds. Please report as I felt a quite a wave of nostalgia, but not enough to part with $350. __________________ o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC

November 29, 2001, 11:31 PM	#2
Popsicle Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2001 Location: Las Vegas,NV Posts: 166	I also would like to hear some firsthand experience with these guns. I can get one for around 275.00 to 300.00, and probably would if I knew it could handle a fair amount of double ought buck. Neat guns all the same! Pat Brophy __________________ fear the government that fears your guns!

November 30, 2001, 04:19 PM	#5
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	Dave, understand the reservations. I don't need a new SG, just a mere twinkle in my eye if you know what I mean. The 870, while justly renowned will never take the place in my heart of a 97, especially a Win 97. However, the original ones I've seen around are so worn out they are almost worthless and maybe dangerous to shoot. Otherwise they are priced beyond the stratosphere. Actually, I have never seen a nice condition one at a gunshow as they were working guns. The Norinco 97 looked very rough and was stocked in something akin to an AK47 grade wood. About $125 would be a fair price in my estimation. CR, thanks for the helpful comments. I will do without a 97 somehow! __________________ o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC

November 30, 2001, 07:43 AM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	It's a cheap copy of an excellent design. As mentioned elsewhere, Norinco has not much rep for warranty work, and quality seems to vary greatly. The M-14 copy they make breaks down a lot, and parts are off spec. Receivers are soft, to the point where many smiths who do High Power Match rifles refuse to work on them. OTOH, their GM copy has been used by top smiths to make race guns. I've reservations about using ChiCom made anything. You may note they're the only major power not even paying lip service to the War against Terror. As for the REAL 97, it is in many ways the best fighting shotgun ever made. Superbly reliable, good capacity, simple MOA, ambidextrous, it's major flaw is it requires precision machining and lots of hand labor to make.Triggers usually need some attention. JMB must have had hands like his Blacksmith Grandpa. However, the 97's rapidly moving into collector status. A 97 collector may have as much tied up in his guns as a Parker collector who goes for field grades. One was part of my crew equipment long ago and far away in a place full of ChiCom guns.Wish I still had it, and a certain M-14 also. For $350, one can get a new 870 in the Police model w/ 2 shot mag extension, some ammo and some range time. For less than $300, one can get a used Police turnin 870, LOTS of ammo, and mo' range time.

November 30, 2001, 11:57 AM	#4
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Politics bad Quality bad. Parts availability bad Warrenty service bad. Way overpriced haven't owned, won't own, but know owners that are sorry. Sam