How to breakdown a 1943 Winchester model 97 trench gun??

[vintage hunter]

I'd like to see some pictures of it myself, especially where the two halves join. If the military did specify they be built so as not to be broken down in the normal manner all that would be required is for the adjusting sleeve be advanced a few notches. There was no doubt a barrel wrench to align the halves and without it breaking it down by had would be impossible.

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[browningautorifle]

all that would be required is for the adjusting sleeve be advanced a few notches. breaking it down by had would be impossible.

And that's what I was talking about way up in post 2. Also if it was a bit loose and someone did that, it would work out the same. You'd need a wrench affair and vise...and some experience...unless someone used locktight. Copious quantities...

[denwhit]

I'd like to see some pictures of it myself, especially where the two halves join. If the military did specify they be built so as not to be broken down in the normal manner all that would be required is for the adjusting sleeve be advanced a few notches. There was no doubt a barrel wrench to align the halves and without it breaking it down by had would be impossible.

Here are the pictures again: 1943 Winchester Model 97 Trench Shotgun Photos by lovtgolf | Photobucket

[vintage hunter]

That is a very nice 97. I don't see any sign of it being apart since it was built and if it were mine I would be hesitant to disassemble it if it isn't absolutely necessary. I believe Brownell's has a screw driver set made specifically for Winchester 97's that may be of interest if you decide to take it apart. Thanks for the photo's.

[denwhit]

Thanks for your comments and I agree with you. I'm not going to mess with it. I bought a bore snake and cleaned it that way. Now, I'm just curious if the military really did build these not to be broken down. Bruce Canfield posted that he thinks they should be just like the commercial models in that regard.

[vintage hunter]

I've never owned or had the opportunity to disassemble a trench gun so I can't help with that any. This is the first I've heard about the military specifying trench guns be made so that it can't be broken down in the normal way. It don't make a whole lot of sense to me but............ Anyway, since yours looks to have never been apart that pretty much rules out somebody mucking about with the adjusting sleeve.
I do own 3 commercial 97's plus a pair of model 12's and whilst learning how to service them I was advised by an armorer friend to grease the barrel extension and mag tube threads as well as a thin film where the halves mated prior to re-assembly to prevent wear so I'm now thinking that may be your trouble. Things stuck together with old dried out grease can be pure hell to get apart at times.