stevethejeep

Slightly off topic, but there are apocryphal tales of US troops in WW1 armed with Winchester '97 trench guns or Browning Auto 5's being tasked with shooting down incoming thrown German grenades. Is unenviable job was given to troops who had experience of game bird or skeet shooting. It must have concentrated the mind somewhat to stand there with an incoming grenade flying towards you, with a fraction of a second to aim, track fire and follow through before it lands on the ground close by an spoils you day ! I'll try to find a photo of this event actually taking place

If I can add my 3penny worth, to the slam-fire debate, and owning Winchester and Ithaca 'slam firers'. I can see no practical use for this function militarily, unless the enemy was in almost bayonet range in a confined area, such as a trench or bunker etc. The other possible use might be in a suppressive fire role, where the objective is to fill the air with as much flying metal as possible, to make the enemy keep their heads down, whilst maneouvers by other troops take place against them. The threat might be more perceived than actual. TM 9-285 states on page 17 relating to 'operation' of the Winchester 1897' "Caution During these operations the fingers should remain out side the trigger guard" and later on "Slamming of the mechanism, however, should be avoided. When the gun is being fired as a repeater, all pressure should be removed from the trigger while operating". Thus stated the US War Department in September 1942. Seldom required these days even in the heat of a 'flurry' stand at the local clay club ?? Cheers

I take your point Downforce, but there are 258 pages !

I bought a fairly new 9410 Sec2 a couple of years ago, nice bit of kit but I had trouble with holding the lever closed with sufficient force when firing, due to the straight stock to release the second safety that I sold it. My local gunsmith wouldn't disable the grip safety. A friend in Derbyshire has had one a long time and his has no grip /lever safety. Seems that only the more recent ones were so fitted. I paid £900 and sold it easily for the same.

Hi one and all, found these reproductions available at very modest cost from within the UK hope this helps you fellow 'pumpers'. Let me know how you get on. Impala, do I recognise the '37DS posted Nov 22?? Damn fine gun! I have had a 1960s Marlin 39A Mountie for decades which is a wonderful gun, equal favourite rifle to my Winchester 62a pump which is another old friend. Best Wishes Steve The US Army WWII Shotgun Handbook_ Shotguns, All Types - War Department Technical Manual, 1942 (TM 9-285) - Full Size Edition by Media, Carlile_ As New (2019) _ GreatBookPricesUK.html The US Army WWII Shotgun Handbook_ Shotguns, All Types - War Department Technical Manual, 1942 (TM 9-285) - Full Size Edition by Media, Carlile_ As New (2019) _ GreatBookPricesUK (1).html

Hello again, I've recently stumbled across the Marlin 1898 pump, which I'd not heard of before. I wasn't aware that Marlin made p/a shotguns (I've had several of their excellent rifles) This shotgun bears more than a passing resemblance to JMB's design the Winchester 1897. Has anyone had a 'hands on' experience or better still fired one? I've not heard of a Marlin shotgun before, but they renowned for good quality lever action rifles pre the Ruger takeover.

Thank you for the kind remarks, I've no idea how to digitise it Scrumbag, waaay above my paygrade !! Only recently found out how to cook meat 'ere! Seriously as it's 80yrs old this year I'd be reluctant to force it open 'flat' as might destroy the spine and bindings as probably not top quality to begin with, being a 'industrial' publication. There's a local printer/bookbinder in Tiverton, I might see if he's any ideas.

Hello from a dull Devon, Whilst in the midst of a protracted coterminous renewal (a six month saga!!) I came across this little gem from September 1942 giving detailed instructions for the use, maintenance, stripping and reassembly of these shotguns for use by the US Army. I've been interested in US WW2 vehicles, militaria and firearms for 50+years but never come across this before. Sorry I can't show you more of this fascinating and relevant (to me) historic publication Hope 'pumpers' all enjoy

Morning Gents, Following the tragic events in Plymouth recently, I so do hope that there is no 'knee-jerk' legislative reaction against pump action firearms such as we saw following the awful murders in Hungerford and Dunblane. a while ago. I lost rifles as a result of the former and pistols the latter. However it seems that in this case the licencing authority reissued/returned the perpetrator's certificate recently, having withdrawn it for an unknown reason. Whilst condolences to those affected by this awful event, lets hope that cooler heads prevail legislatively this time.

Hi Gents, Never used G/B in anything but O/U guns, but extraction problems with my first M37 were solved by polishing the chamber to a mirror finish, and using 'high brass' shells like Winchester Super Speeds which cured it. Worth checking the condition of the extractor claws and that the top one is correctly aligned woth the 'slot' machined in the barrel. Hope these 'words of wisdom' from Impala originally help. Steve

Evening Gents, I'm on my second 1897 (see earlier photos) and third M37 so I'm getting the hang of them. A friend in Northamptonshire has a Norinco clone '97 which in my humble opinion is awful in every respect. I refused to actually fire it. I had an original trench gun in the '70's , but apart from it's scarcity value, was neither one thing nor t'other .I've still got the 1917 bayonet and US scabbard . I'd be patient, save my money and a genuine '97 will turn up sooner or later. When all said and done not every one can get a Sec 1 variation, nor stump-up £750+ ,so they're not generally a quick seller on the retail market,

Hello, You don't happen to have a spare barrel by any chance please? Steve

I'm seeking a Browning Auto 5 Final Tribute or other special edition, in excellent/mint/unfired condition, or preferably unadulterated but Sec 2 considered. Must be in UK Mainland have FAC & SGC and cash!

Evening Gents, As I type (8/7/20) there's a Stevens Model 67 series E @£ 165 advertised by Guns and Guns of Surrey if anyone's interested? It's FAC but at that money would be worth converting to Sec ? Hope this is of use to a fellow 'pumper'! Regards to all Steve