Winchester M97 Riot (US)

[azimuth]

Hello All...
I picked up an old Model 97 in a trade a few years ago that is in pretty rough shape. I would like to ask a question or two, and also get some opinions. The '97 is a former military riot model with a serial of E941561 on the receiver and barrel (extension?). It has all the proper markings as near as I can tell and is a take-down model. From what research I have done, it appears to be quite a bit later in the WWII serial number range than most of the riots, and falls in with the range of trench guns made during that time frame. It does have a "42" stamped beneath the chamber end of the "CYL" marked barrel. The shotgun functions perfectly and has a bright, shiny bore, but does need a new buttplate and the forearm may need replacing.

Now for my question. Considering the fact that the finish is at or near zero percent, would it hurt anything to have it re-blued? I've tried to find if there was any SRS data on it from another site, but never got a response. My thinking is that if the condition bars it from having any collector value, and there isn't a hit from SRS, then there would be no harm in restoring it to it's former glory. What are your thoughts?

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[browningautorifle]

It's your gun and you should do what you feel. I don't think there's anything wrong with it as is...you say pump and buttplate? I'd use some micro bed from Brownells to fix the pump and the buttplate should be around...? I don't think bluing it will destroy it, just be careful about the polishing. I'd almost want to hand polish so the markings don't get drawn and streaked.

[azimuth]

I appreciate your response. I haven't decided to re-blue at this point, just looking for opinions. The shotgun was formerly owned by a cowboy action shooter who I suspect may have removed the guns finish in order to make it appear more worn. The forearm piece looks as though it was handmade, or possibly sanded flat and then had the grooves re-cut by hand, as they are unevenly spaced and not straight.

[browningautorifle]

A pump handle isn't that hard to find. They're around.