Can old old shotguns handle today's loads?

[raptorschild]

Similar to another thread, I have my grandpa's side by side that is an "american Arms" shotgun from i believe the 1920's. Can older guns handle steel???

[billc_sbio]

Generally (unless you lived in the South, and had a "Quail" gun usually choked Imp.Cyl/Imp. Cyl) most of doubles made up into even the 1960s were choked Mod/Full.

Most of these guns have thin barrels up by the chokes and those, especially with barrels choked "Full" can't take the battering that Steel shot puts on them. They won't usually blow up or split (unless they're "Damascus" twist steel, which is made for Blackpowder pressures), but the Full Choke won't stay Full very long. It'll get opened up and probably be something more open than Mod.

Most of the time it's advisable to take any old guns in to a competant gunsmith and have them check over the gun and see what they advise.

[duckboy]

Generally (unless you lived in the South, and had a "Quail" gun usually choked Imp.Cyl/Imp. Cyl) most of doubles made up into even the 1960s were choked Mod/Full.

Most of these guns have thin barrels up by the chokes and those, especially with barrels choked "Full" can't take the battering that Steel shot puts on them. They won't usually blow up or split (unless they're "Damascus" twist steel, which is made for Blackpowder pressures), but the Full Choke won't stay Full very long. It'll get opened up and probably be something more open than Mod.

Most of the time it's advisable to take any old guns in to a competant gunsmith and have them check over the gun and see what they advise.

Yep, Exactly, Sage advice.

[Hunt'nFish]

Theoredically the max pressure std's haven't changed for 2-3/4" 12Ga. BUT.....1920's made AA?
Not sure it's worth trying even if it does have C/IC/Mod chokes. If it says "Smokeless" or "Nickel Steel" on the barrel it's probably ok to use the lower dram loads......problem is when it comes to steel loads, they all are loaded pretty heavy.
One other concern would be scratching of the bore by the steel pellets. This used to be one of the primary reasons why we weren't supposed to fire steel loads in the older guns....the steel just wasn't hard enought to resist scratching. However, with today's thick wall shot cups..this is not really a big deal anymore.

I would not use it w/ steel.....but 7-1/2 shot lead target loads?...No problem.
Hunt'nFish

[Frenchy]

If it has fluid steel barrels,not twist, you might try some bismuth or Kent Matrix.
Have it looked at, if it locks up tight and a good gunsmith says it's safe, it might be fun to take out for ducks.

[duckdog310]

Take it to a competent gunsmith regardless of any other factors mentioned above. Better safe than. . .well, you know.

[James in Idaho]

I shoot a Model 12 Winchester that was built in 1927. 20 gauge full choke. You gun is a pretty common "hardware store" gun, and you should be fine with lead. Our oldies don't do steel. Have it checked and enjoy it.

[uhmw]

I still hunt w/ my great grand dads sig and son side by side sweet 16 ga -some times I think hes with me in spirit when Im using it(especially when Im running after a grouse I just waxed). I think its from 1911 but it may be older. I was told that it was a sound gun but not to fire steel shot thru it. I also have a 8mm mauser from the same time frame with wood to the tip of the barrell I shoot that one too but far less and only at a preditor-bear ,couger or yote. I use a bow for everything else.