How do I tell if my SxS will shoot 3" shells? (in steel)

[jaydog]

Title pretty much says it all. I have an Armas "Ego" Eibar shotgun from 1967? and there is no markings that say if it will shoot anything bigger than 2.75" shells. Taking it to a gunsmith is the obvious answer but that is too much hassle right now so I'd like a 'do it at home' answer if there is one.
THANKS.

 

[urbaneddy]

if it's stamped 2.75", only put 2.75" in it. Someone told me today "you can go down in size, but not up in size". example: 3" can shoot 2.75", but not 3.5". what I'm saying is stick whatever it says on the barrel.

 

[JohnC]

I think jaydog said it has no markings. Does it not show something in mm? ( say, 76 mm)?

I would definitely not try measuring at home. It depends on the forcing cone setup, etc there is no way of telling. more importanltyl, a gunsmith has the right gauges plus he can tell you if the gun has other issues.

Putting a shell in will not work. A 2 3/4" chamber will accept a 3" shell ( since they are designed for the shell in it's fired condition) but firing it is dangerous because of potential over pressures. and if if had a polished forcing cone it might accept a fired 3" shell but still be only designed for 2 3/4"

 

[Claybuster]

Look on the barrel flats, the flat part of the barrel that presses against the receiver where the proof marks are. There you should find the gauge and chamber size. If you see 12/70 the chamber is 2-3/4" only. If however you see 12/76 it will take 3" shells.

 

[Grouse Man]

Claybuster has your definitive answer.

 

[lookout]

delete

 

[jaydog]

CGN saves the day again!!!

You guys rock- thanks Claybuster! I had found an online thing that explained most of the markings on the barrel flats but not that one. I have 12-76 stamped inside an oval so 3" shells it is.
Now the next step is how do I know if it will take steel shot? The chokes are fixed at M/IC if I remember right (barrels stamped two stars and three stars). This has always been my pheasant gun (#6 lead in 2.75") but I love shooting it so much I'd like to take it out on clean hunts for geese which requires steel by law. I know I could shoot bismuth etc but I don't reload so thats not an option.

 

[Longwalker]

You are taking a little chance, but I would shoot modified choke with steel, in any gun that was not extremely precious. I have opened the full choke to modified on many shotguns otherwise unsuited to steel shot and used them without problems. If you are concerned stay away from the real large shot, bigger than BB causes most problems with bulged barrels.

 

[Claybuster]

FYI, I didn't mention in my original post that the 70 and 76 are metric designations for chamber length.

There are many older guns that are used with steel shot. The chokes are open enough that yours should be fine.

 

[beretta boy]

"Clean hunts for geese" ...

I do that - and just plain enjoy waterfowling with a SxS - period.

Why not try Kent's "Impact" (Tungsten matrix non-tox) ?

Their 2-3/4" - 1-3/8 oz. load of # 1's is a very effective goose load, and IMHO, better than any 3" steel load.

I've been shooting their stuff out of a Beretta SxS for a number of years, and am looking forward to doing the same out of a
recently acquired Union Armera (Grulla) SxS this fall. Kent's Impact non-tox loads are a little pricey, but IMHO, well worth it, performing better than the majority of comparable lead loads !