Older Shotguns and Ammunition

M

macsailer

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Hey CGNer's,

I have several older shotgun's which were my grandfather's, and was wondering if it is possible to use them for waterfowl hunting. Is it possible to use Steel Shot in these shotguns? Or will lead be the only thing flying through them?

The shotguns are as follows:

A Remington Model 1100 12 Gauge (3" Magnum) (Purchased in 1968)
A Remington Wingmaster 870 20 Gauge (2 3/4")
A Cooey 20 Gauge (2 3/4")Single Shot Break Barrel, Model 94
An Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Gauge (2 3/4")

Thanks for any and all help.

Mac
 
You might want to think about lengthening the forcing cones and lengthening and reducing the choke. The longer forcing cone reduces pressure and at the muzzle, steel shot does not deform so gives tighter patterns and requires less choke.

cheers Doug
 
The answer is to shoot Kent tungsten matrix shells for waterfowl. These non toxic shells duplicate the performance and softness (malleability) of lead. Although they cost more than steel shot, if you take the cost of choke modifications to shoot steel into account, the Kent shells may be less expensive. How many shells do you shoot at waterfowl per year?

The Kent shells allow you to leave the guns in their original state. Lead shot can be used for all other hunting. The tungsten matrix shot is superior to steel, especially at longer ranges. I say leave the guns as they are and buy some good ammo.

Sharptail
 
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Kent Matrix is kind of pricey,you can have the barrels opened to a modified choke and you will be able to shoot steel through them with no problems and this is the cheaper fix.
 
Nice collection.

I just spent $290 for a 20 gauge pump and I'd have loved toget an870, but I'm quite happy with my Ithaca.

Have the 12 gauge guns opened up to modified if you want to use steel in them for waterfowl and leave the 20 gauge guns as is and use only lead in them for grouse and other upland.
 
I have found that over a season of bird hunting (waterfowl) the LEAST expensive part (taking gas, dogfood, motels and licences into account) is ammo. Order a case of Tungsten Matrix Kent. Most dealers will discount a case lot purchase. If it takes 3 years to use them up so what? They won't go bad. That 1100 magnum would be DEADLY with 3" kent loads. Just my two cents.

cheers Darryl
 
I also had an 1100 3 inch. I had a smithy take the full choke out to modified and shot steel through it for five years until I sold it. It shot everything up to and including T shot.
 
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