I just bought another "Windchanger" 1897 and find it is a bit different than the other two I have and the ones I recall. This one has two buttons (?) sticking through the sides of the receiver that are part of the shell stops - push the buttons and the shells come out of the magazine tube - smartly!
Anyone know how many of the 97's had this feature and what years it was on the guns?
I think it is a good feature but sure don't recall having seen it before. Is my memory gone or what?

Hello,
Can't tell you how many or when they started doing that, but my Cowboy Action, read Chineese, has that feature as well. Also would say that the imported '97 is very smooth, well finished, nice walnut stocks, and has never given a single problem with a lot of shells through it.