Norinco 1897 Pump Action Shotgun for home defense

A Shotgun for home defence makes sense. It has a very good stopping power and will stop most attackers in its tracks. This is what is needed if you get assaulted. A lot of gun owners go for handguns (I personally see a handgun as an backup to a long gun, or if carrying a rifle/ shotgun is not possible) or a centerfire assault rifle type weapon which for me have to much penetration for home defence and therefore can harm bystanders in other rooms or property. Loaded with Nr 5 shot ( 220 pellets, 2.8mm dia) it is ideal in houses or apartments as it will normally not penetrate a wall. With OO Buckshot you have 9 lead balls with 8.4mm which is almost shooting 9 rounds of a handgun into your assailant ( at close range) at the same time. And by using a slug you have 20mm diameter bullet with 490 grains with an energy of 2800 joule. This is impressive! You can even get less lethal ammo ( i.g rubber).

Why a outdated gun design from 1897 and a Chinese weapon on top of it, you may ask…..

Well, I have owned Rem 870, Benelli m2, Beretta Semi Autos, over and unders and side by sides… but here is one thing I like the most on the Winchester/Norinco 1897. It has an external hammer. This means for me I can have my gun fully loaded with a round in the chamber and still feel safe. I only need to cock the hammer and I am in “business”. Not having a round in the chamber is not an option for me, as loading one makes noise and in case of a home invasion I do not want to give my location away, and no, I do not trust the noise of raking a shotgun to make the intruder go away because he gets scared…. Keeping a gun which as internal hammers with a round in the chamber and only relying on a safety makes me ” nervous” and therefore I like the 1897.

Why the Norinco and not a original Winchester. I like the handling of the norinco, it has a shorter stroke ( pumpaction) and funktions flawless ( I have shot 2100 round so far). I love to collect original Winchesters, but as a defence tool the Norinco is just fine.

The gun as a 20 inch barrel with no choke, I have added a short magazine follower and new spring to be able to load 6 rounds in the magazine and 1 in the chamber. It will also get a new stock ( walnut, checkered, rubber recoil pad), as the original is very “slick” and I do not like the grip angle 100%. However a skateboard take on the grip would also do in a pinch….

I use Rottweil Brenneke Classic, Rottweil Game Edition 2.8mm 32 gram and Sellier and Bellot OO Buckshot. With all of them I get good patterns and the gun shoots to point of aim!