Winchester 97 ejector question

[peval65]

Hi everyone.
I purchased a couple of Winchester 1897 model, both takedown.
One of them is an early model (so I was told), serial number C59665, and needs some restoration to the ejector device that appear quite different from other later model.
Here are some pics to explain better the thing.

You can see the differences both outside and inside from the older on the left and the later model on the right that is the only type I ever see till now.
I ask if someone knows what is needed to bring it to the factory state.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Paolo

[Hcompton79]

The "C" prefix guns and previous do not have the same spring loaded ejector as seen on your later model. They simply had a small rod that protruded into the receiver and caught on the rim of the shell to kick the shell out. On these the mechanism had to be operated vigorously or the shells could get caught in the action.

This was later revised to include the small "L" shaped spring on the later models as seen in your last two photos, which provides a bit of spring kick to get the shell out if the mechanism is moved slowly.

I don't think you can convert the early gun to the later pattern without drilling and tapping the receiver.

[peval65]

They simply had a small rod that protruded into the receiver

Thank you for your infos!!
In fact this is what shown in the picture but I do not know the meaning of the second hole, threaded itself.....do you believe it is original to the rifle?...second more protruding rod?
Anyway I have no intention to bring it to the later model system, just restore and leave it as factory made...possibly.
Thanks again.

[Hcompton79]

Unfortunately, My 1897 is a "E" prefix gun and I have never examined an earlier gun in enough detail to say what exactly is supposed to go in the second hole.

I would suspect that it would be for a block similar on that of the later gun, so that the smaller pin in front can be beat up by the rearward moving rim of the shell and is replaceable, and the block prevents it from getting bent enough so that it can't be removed.