Opening up Fixed Full Choke for Steel Shot

freddyfour said:
This is interesting, I have a 50's vintage Browning Lightning that was opened up to IC and a Browning BSS IC and Mod. I emailed Browning direct and they said do not shoot steel through either of them. I would love to hear what guntech has to say about that!
Click to expand...


From Browning's website,



3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS:

The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2.



I think this is more a liability issue more than anything and I don't see why steel couldn't be put through any of these guns if they had open chokes. Perhaps there are legitimate reasons but Browning doesn't disclose them.
 
3macs1 said:
WHAT??? OK. I have repaired firearms since the 60's , opened chokes and fitted tubes but never designed or fabricated any as I bet gun tech never did either
The exception for me would be I would listen to maybe John Browning if he was alive :) over a manufacturer
To each their own
Cheers
Click to expand...

That maybe so, but there is no reason not to respect the opinion of someone more knowledgeable then myself, is there?

3macs1 said:
[/B]

Why not buy a cheap CZ 20ga SXS and leave those nice vintage ones alone that are in amazing condition
Once they shoot steel many guys will never buy them down the road if you decide to sell. I know I won't
Cheers
Click to expand...

That is always an option, but the cheaper look of the CZ doesn't turn my crank as much as a beautiful old Browning.
 
freddyfour said:
That maybe so, but there is no reason not to respect the opinion of someone more knowledgeable then myself, is there?



That is always an option, but the cheaper look of the CZ doesn't turn my crank as much as a beautiful old Browning.
Click to expand...

It won't be a beautiful old browning long after you fire steel shot out of it
and I only answered your question when you wished for a SXS 20ga for steel shot
I quote
I would love a 20ga sxs that I could shoot steel through though. Pretty wasn't a requirement


Let's cut the crap here you want to shoot steel out of them but scared to try so want someone to tell you it is fine to do so and go against what browning recommends
Well not going to be this old gun dude .Wonder if guntech will give you a written warranty if he modifies your gun(s) for steel :)

They are your guns do as you please and yes it bothers me when I see quality made almost 70 year old or so reported to be in excellent condition sought after shotguns destroyed when there is so many cheap options out there today to do the job
Take care I'm done
 
Last edited:
3macs1 said:
It won't be a beautiful old browning long after you fire steel shot out of it
and I only answered your question when you wished for a SXS 20ga for steel shot
I quote
I would love a 20ga sxs that I could shoot steel through though. Pretty wasn't a requirement


Let's cut the crap here you want to shoot steel out of them but scared to try so want someone to tell you it is fine to do so and go against what browning recommends
Well not going to be this old gun dude .Wonder if guntech will give you a written warranty if he modifies your gun(s) for steel :)
Take care I'm done
Click to expand...

Are you ok there? Not sure how you got so excited about me asking guntech his professional opinion. Yes, if he said it was possible I would have a further conversion about it, which still may or may not lead to me using steal in my guns. Discussing things is how we make informed decisions.
 
So... back on topic, it should be okay if my Remington barrel is reamed to IC or Light modified for all around upland/waterfowl duties.
 
mosinmaster said:
How much does it cost to get it opened up? $40-50?
Click to expand...

Rusty wood charges $75+ for opening a choke, and the same to lengthen the forcing cone.

freddyfour said:
If it costs 80-100 to open it up, why not just get it threaded? Tac Ord did my old Wingmaster barrel for $100.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a pretty good price! I would go that route over opening a choke if the price difference is so little.
 
3macs1 said:
That was fact and BSS was thinner again plus they say the solder used was the biggest problem when steel is iontroduced
Lots of posts like this out there if we take the time to look
Cheers

I saw a IC & M Superposed that a club member shot steel in for almost 2 years before the IC barrel bulged and seperated the barrels and lifted the rib. A replacement barrel cost him well over $2500 but he ended up with a nice, although misballanced, 22" Cyl & Cly HD/woodcock extra barrel after his smith cut the old barrels. :?


I am the owner of a Browning superposed that was damaged by steel shot. The forcing cone was pretty beat up and there was a long scratch along the bore. I assume it came from steel shot, unless the PO was loading rocks or gravel, which is more what it looked like. Only damaged in the one barrel. Perhaps a old, rusty load. No, I would not shoot steel shot in a Superposed.
Click to expand...

Steel shot should not mark a barrel as you described as the steel shot is in a plastic wad and doesn't touch the barrel. Damage occurs when steel is shot in a too tight of a restriction as in the choke itself and it does not compress and bulges or bursts the choke.

The Browning side by sides I have altered had lots of 'meat' at the muzzle and were not thin like the Superposed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom