Old Shotgun - Savage Stevens 124C - Looking for info

[paddlemonkey]

I recently came into possession of an old Stevens 124C...Many mistake it for a semi-auto because its bolt design is, well.... weird.

Even tho it is not really considered to be collectible, I have decided to throw a few bucks at it to make it shoot. (the weird factor appeals to me )

So I know there are a few of you out there that have shot one of these at grampas farm, and maybe some of you actually have one.

Since its an older gun I would prefer that it does not blow up in my face...

What sorts of shot shells you have gotten away with? I've heard that steel shot would not be a good idea.
Has anyone put slugs thru one?

Any thing else you can share?

Thanx in Advance!

 

[Blastattack]

Any standard shell should be fine. While it may be old, it is still a "modern" shotgun and thus should be proofed for anything. I assume it is 2-3/4"?

 

[Blastattack]

They are actually not that old. Apparently made between 1947 and 1952. Is should quite readily fire any shell of the proper length. But like all older shotguns, it is generally ill-advised to use steel unless the choke is more in the Cylinder end of the spectrum.

 

[paddlemonkey]

2 3/4 inch... Might be nice to keep as an 'in case of cranky bear' camp gun, which is why I am wondering about slugs.

Before I test fire it, I want to get an idea of any limitations I might want to observe.

In any event its been in a shed for about 40 years and was full of spider webs and mold and obviously not cleaned beforehand... a full and thorough tear-down is in the works.