First semi-auto

200250126

200250126

CGN Regular
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Location
Saskatchewan
I picked up today from an elderly gentleman a Beretta AM301 Magnum 12ga semi. It hasn't been fired since he got it from a relative in 1985, but its been kept in a case and it looks mint, just a little dusty.

It has a 30 inch barrel, but there's nothing on it to indicate what the choke is. Does anyone know? Also this model was made in the 70s-80s. Can I shoot steel in it?

Very excited to give it a cleaning and try it out sometime.
 
it is most likely a full choke you can get a idea by droping a dime down the barrel if it will not come out it is a full choke .thy are a great shotgun for sure .I would not shoot steel out of her if a dime stays in the barrel .enjoy your new gun I shot one for birds for years and just loved it Dutch
 
I have used a 301 for many years shooting informal clays and gophers. Great old shotgun. Mine is a 2 3/4".
 
12 ga. magnum with 30" barrel, almost certainly Full. Should be a marking of some sort, * for example.

I believe these guns had chromed bores. Meaning a gunsmith will have to charge more to ream it out for steel.

Or you could use it as a trap gun, if it will cycle target loads.
 
Very excited to give it a cleaning and try it out sometime.
Click to expand...

great gun ... my first auto was an 1100 with a modified VR barrel and I still get excited when I shoot it!! It just works!
 
Good guns, parts are still available. I expect that it is a fixed full choke. Most gun shops will have a bore gauge and can tell you the bore diameter (probably around .727) and the choke constriction (probably .035 or .040). That would be way too tight to shoot steel, but will smoke trap targets from 27 yards. If you really like the gun, you might consider investing in quality thin wall chokes, installed by a competent individual.
 
A buddy of mine has one ( I have an A303) and he had the barrel shortened to 28" and choke tubes installed by a local gunsmith years ago. The barrel can also be modified by a gunsmith to shoot light loads but when this is done magnum loads can no longer be used without damaging the gun. They are a well made gun however you decide to use it.
 
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