Proper restoration of a Winchester pump gun, especially a 97 is truly rocket science. At least 98 out 100 restorations are unacceptable to serious collectors even when they are only intended to be used as shooters. I have never had a 97 done but I have had a couple of 42s that had scratched or otherwise damaged receivers. I agonized over them for years, finally turned them over to a very talented person who charged me a fortune only to drawfile and finish the receiver on each. I saw the work in progress and am now understanding why most refinishers don't get it right. I also understand why is wasn't cheap. What most of these guys describe as a restoration is nothing more than a quick and dirty refinish. Turnbull does it right and charges for the hours it actually takes. Unfortunately the cost will exceed the value of a pump gun.
