Older shotguns with 2 5/8" chambers - Remington model 1894

Power Pill

Power Pill

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
169   0   0
Location
ON
I picked up an old Remington Model 1894 sxs shotgun and I took it out for some shooting today.
Put about 30 shells through it and had 2 light primer strikes... Also, after firing the left barrel the action was sometimes really hard to open. No issues with the right barrel.

At first I thought there might be a problem mechanically with gun ,but during some research online I found out the that chambers in the gun were cut for 2 5/8" shells....and I was shooting modern 2 3/4" shells....(Federal and Winchester) Might this have been the culprit for the problems I was having?
 
Last edited:
YUP!
I don't know about the light primer strikes mind you, that sounds more like a spring problem, but I would not shoot anymore modern ammo out of that gun!!
I would imagine with the short chambers there was a bit of recoil, for sure!!!
The '94 Remingtons are great shotguns, but if you don't already hand load, learn how or get a friend to load for you.
The cases need to be cut down, and a low pressure smokeless load put into them and either roll crimped or fold crimped- roll crimping is pretty easy to do.
My suggestion would be to load black powder in it with brass cases, it saves cutting hulls, and a box of brass will last forever.
I've been shooting bras and black for many years and have taken ducks, pheasants , and geese with my shotguns shooting the proper shot and black powder.
They can be loaded with a minimum of tools , as well.
PM me if you need info on just how to do it.
However, if you want to shoot only smokeless powder , I would get a modern gun to shoot modern stuff out of.
Cat
 
If you check into the black powder forum, there is a thread about 10 gauge shotgun shells, and I posted some pics on how to load them without a press.
any gauge will work the same the same.
This is with the plastic cases.
You do not have to roll crimp if you use brass cases.
Cat
 
While I agree with most of what Cat says, a simpler solution may be to order some Kent Gamebore 2 1/2 inch shells. Right length and low pressure load. I have two 1894 and a 1900 all with 2 5/8 inch chambers as well as a number of other guns either with 2 5/8 or 2 1/2 inch chambers. Kent Gamebore work well.
 
canvasback said:
While I agree with most of what Cat says, a simpler solution may be to order some Kent Gamebore 2 1/2 inch shells. Right length and low pressure load. I have two 1894 and a 1900 all with 2 5/8 inch chambers as well as a number of other guns either with 2 5/8 or 2 1/2 inch chambers. Kent Gamebore work well.
Click to expand...

Who sells Kent Gamebore 2 1/2?
 
Power Pill said:
Who sells Kent Gamebore 2 1/2?
Click to expand...

You need to get a Kent dealer to special order it. They have it in stock in their Canadian warehouse in Markham but no dealer stocks it. I just picked up a couple flats of it. Delivered to my dealer within 24 hours of me ordering it.

Best thing to do is get in touch with Kent Canada customer service and get the exact description of what you want, (load, shot size etc) so you can have your dealer order the right stuff.
 
catnthehatt said:
I can't get that stuff in Alberta, no one will bring it in as far as I know.
Haven't tried Prophet River , mind you.
I prefer brass cases anyway.:p
Cat
Click to expand...

Cat, you are already set up for rolling your own but I'm surprised you haven't been able to get a Kent dealer to order you a flat. My 12 year experience with Kent Canada is they will go the extra mile to help hunters get what they need. Dealers are not always as cooperative.
 
My biggest issue is that I am 300 miles from the nearest Kent dealer.
Do you know what the pressure is on those 2 1/2"
I had some traditional game loads at one time but although they were 2 1/2"they weren't low pressure compared to what I can load- they rattled me pretty good!
Cat
 
That won't make a difference except for you will be able to use modern wads if you wish.The big problem is that the powders available ( PG, 7625, 4756, etc) are discontinued, so it's not a viable option unless you want to take a lightweight 12 and put some 28 gauge tubes in it.
Cat
 
Power Pill said:
Would having a gun smith ream the chambers out to accept 2-3/4" shells be a good idea?
Click to expand...

While I have had it done in the past, I won't anymore. After 10 plus years of really paying attention to the care and maintenance of old SxS shotguns, I am extremely cautious about removing metal from barrels, especially in the areas that need to withstand the highest pressures, the chambers and the first 8-10 inches from the breech of the barrels.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom