410 shotgun ammo question

amber2010

amber2010

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Stouffville, Ontario
I have recently aquired an older shotgun. It is an Iver Johnson arms and cycle works, Champion model, made in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA. It is a single shot 410, full choke. The serial number 45602C. After checking out some sites I have come to the conclusion that this particular model was manufactured sometime between the 1920's to 1940's. Does anyone know if this shotgun was made for 3" shotshells? I can put a 3" shell in it and of course a 2-1/2" one. But when was the 3" 410 shotshell introduced? At the same time as the 2-1/2" one? Or somewhat later? I can see where the chamber constricts towards the barrel but find it impossible to measure it. I just wanted to know if it would be safe to shoot both lengths.
Thanks,

Tom
 
Save a spent 3" round and try to insert it.
You shouldn't feel any restrictions trying to push it in.
Others have suggested in the past to use a round dowel and find a way
to snug it up to fit into the chamber. Measure and see where the length is.
 
The chamber will hold a 3 inch because it is 2 3/4 unfired, fired it becomes 3 inch. Most likely, it is a 2 3/4 inch chamber due to it's age. I made a chamber length gauge specifically for that reason.
 
gunrunner100 said:
The chamber will hold a 3 inch because it is 2 3/4 unfired, fired it becomes 3 inch. Most likely, it is a 2 3/4 inch chamber due to it's age. I made a chamber length gauge specifically for that reason.
Click to expand...

Chris, will you explain what you made your gauge out of and how. Please. I would like to make one.
 
If it is for 3 inch shells the designation should state that... if it only states .410 and no reference to length, it is not for 3 inch.

The 3 inch shell was introduced by Winchester in 1933 along with their newly designed Model 42 pump shotgun.
 
Last edited:
c-fbmi said:
two-dogs.......1" piece of alum round stock and a lathe is all it takes, you can make up length gauges for all gauges with about a foot and a half of it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Douglas. Princess Auto here I come, on my next trip to the big bad city, that is! I know a dude in town with a lathe.
I suppose a 1 inch wood dowel would work, too. I could get it at the lumber yard in town. I hate the city!
 
what does it say on the side of the barrel they should be marked as most firearms are marked. If it's not then assume it's not a 3 inch.
 
gunrunner100 said:
The chamber will hold a 3 inch because it is 2 3/4 unfired, fired it becomes 3 inch. Most likely, it is a 2 3/4 inch chamber due to it's age. I made a chamber length gauge specifically for that reason.
Click to expand...

.410 was/is only been produced in 2", 2 1/2" and 3", never made in 2 3/4" from what I can find on a quick search.
 
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