Older Shotgun / Steel Shot question

Doc Spratley · 08-30-2002, 06:43 PM

A friend of mine invited me bird hunting last weekend for pheasant and chukkar on private land in eastern Washington. I hadn't bird hunted in over 20 years and it was great to get out and discover that I could still hit anything. (The pheasant dinner was delicious.)

Here are my questions: I own a 12 ga. Ithaca Featherlight shotgun, 2 3/4 chamber, that has a 28 inch barrel with a modified choke (fixed choke). The shotgun is about 23 years old and was produced just prior to the big push to steel shot. Can I safely shoot steel shot in this gun? Should there be any limitation in powder charge or shot size if I am shooting steel shot? Are there signs I should be looking for that would indicate that the barrel/receiver are being damaged by the use of steel shot. Note: the gun is in excellent condition.

I love this shotgun and the way it comes to my shoulder. I'd sooner buy a new gun than risk anything to this one. Thanks for your input.

Chum King · 08-30-2002, 07:56 PM

The easiest answer is the one that you already gave: Buy a new gun, and don't risk the Ithaca.

Of course that is not your only option.

First keep in mind that although the Ithaca Featherweight is by no means new production, neither is it in the class of an antique relic. The gun should be able to safely handle most standard factory loadings of steel shot, and the fact that you have a modified choke helps your cause as most steel shot problems are a result of trying to fire the shells through a full choked gun. However, I am fairly certain that your gun does not have chrome lined barrels, and thus would be prone to scoring if the wad does not adequately contain all the steel shot.

The other option you have is to shoot bismuth shotshells in seasons and areas where non-toxic shot is required. Bismuth is soft enough (like lead) so that it will not harm your shotgun. However, bismuth shells are darn expensive (about $1.50/shell), and if you do much hunting it will quickly become much less expensive to buy a new gun with a chrome lined barrel and avoid the worries.

I handload steel shot shotshells for my own use, and in looking at the recipes, there are certainly a fair number of low pressure loads available that would be safer in older guns. Just remember that pressure is only one of the issues and that choke and the potential for scoring the barrel is higher with steel (also with the tungsten and Hevishot options that are out there).

Get Bit · 08-30-2002, 08:36 PM

Might want to give Ithaca a call and see if you can get yourself a new barrel for that gun. Might be a couple hundred but would give you screw in chokes and the right fit. The stickler comes when you start to consider the cost of one of the lower priced pump guns on the market. The cost is right around 300-350 but not nearly the same kind of gun that yours is.
You just have to decide which way you want to go. A new gun or your old one with the new barrel.

Get Bit

ry · 08-30-2002, 08:42 PM

just use lead.

Doc Spratley · 08-31-2002, 08:15 AM

Thank you for the responses. Particular thanks to you, Get Bit, for suggesting I give the factory a call. Frankly, I thought Ithaca had gone out of business in the '80s, but your response seemed to indicate that I was wrong. Sure enough, a search on the internet produced their website which included an on-line store. They appear to be very much in business.

Chum King, your comments about steel shot vs. full choke barrels were right on the money. Ithaca's website stated that as long as the choke on their barrels was no tighter than modified, standard factory loads worked fine and they stood behind their barrels.

Ry, I wish the choice was as simple as you suggest. I would much prefer to use lead because, load for load, lead outperforms steel shot. However, in Washington, most (if not all) public hunting areas that I would go to require steel shot because of the waterfowl/lead poisoning issue. I am sure Oregon has similar restrictions. (At least, you should check it out before leaving home for your hunt.) I also noticed that when I went shopping for shells this week at Fisherman's Outdoor, at least 75% of their shelf space was taken up with steel shot shells. In fact, I had to go to a different aisle to find lead shot shells and even then the selection was very small compared to what they were carrying for steel shot. (What's up with that?)

Anyway, I knew I would get good advice coming to this discussion board. My back is too touchy to carry out elk quarters anymore, (birds are so much lighter to carry) but I dearly missed being out "on the hunt." You hunters know what I am talking about, non-hunters would never understand.

bigshark · 08-31-2002, 09:12 PM

Just an also.........sounds to me like you might have a mod.37 pump but you didn't say so. I'm a little confused. If this gun shoots well for you (fit, etc.) why would you want to retire it for what is available today. Unless you want to fork out some bigger bucks what your going to get is a piece of crap in comparison. If you shoot size 2 shot or smaller you will not have any problems with steel. Fed has the best wads if your concerned. If you do get a little blemish and it bothers you have the barrel laped to clean it up and then retire it. If itis a 37 you are not looking at a collectors piece anyway. Best of luck and enjoy!

PS Try using #3 shot for most birds and see what you think.

[ 08-31-2002, 10:17 PM: Message edited by: bigshark ]

k9jeff · 08-31-2002, 10:12 PM

Ithaca has a website, you should be able to E mail your question. They are in busn and going strong. Just do a search and you should find it.
I was told that steel shot in a mod choke was alright in older guns,, but you might want to check.
I bought a Benelli Nova and love it, Light, 3 1/2 mag, and easy to shoot. Not too spendy either. Might check it out if your Ithaca does not work out.

Jeff

Doc Spratley · 09-01-2002, 08:06 AM

Big Shark, it is a Model 37. According to Ithaca's website, it was manufactured in 1978. I knew, even before posting this question, that it was not a "collector's antique". However, I found it amusing that its current value, according to Ithaca's website, is about double what I paid for it in 1979.

I fully intend to keep shooting it. I am not in the market for a new shotgun. My original question was focused on safety and the advisability of using steel shot in a "pre-steel shot" era barrel. At the most, I would have just ordered a new barrel if I needed to. From the advice I have gotten from this discussion, plus what Ithaca's website also provided, I am in good shape and can shoot my existing barrel with confidence.

bigshark · 09-01-2002, 10:30 AM

Roger that, I can tell you that is a wonderful shotgun and will serve you well many tens of thousands of rounds. Good Hunting

Doc Spratley · 09-01-2002, 07:38 PM

Thanks, Big Shark, it is a wonderful shotgun.

In fact, thanks to all that responded. This question had been in the back of my mind for awhile. It finally dawned on me that this was the place to find the answer. Good Hunting to all of you this season!

Doc