Safe Ammo for older Farmer Shotguns.

[Buckiller]

I bought a Harrington & Richardson 12 gauge single shot 2 3/4 inch. I think the date on it says 1901. I want to use this gun a for farm work. I don't know if it's safe to shoot. Everything appears to be in good order. I fired 2 kent upland games shells through it and everything seemed normal. I don't know how old the shells were because they came with the gun. Should i be using some low pressure or black powder ammo? Is there a ammo on the market for these guns? Also i would like to reload for this gun. Is there any specifications for shot and powder that would be perfect for this gun?

Thanks!

Also i read h & r made there first 12 gauage in 1901, so is this a rare gun?

 

[drill702]

Can you find a serial number?

 

[Buckiller]

sn is 298006

 

[drill702]

Post some pics it could be pre 1920, and welcome to the forums

 

[Buckiller]

http://www.gunvaluesboard.com/harrington-richardson-arms-co.-12-ga.-single-barrel-18600550.html

It's looks the same as this gun, but mine is in farmer condition

My main concern is finding the right reloading formula or ammo i can safely use

 

[drill702]

if there are no defects it should be fine to shoot a modern 2 3/4 shell , you should take it to a gunsmith .

 

[Buckiller]

okay, it looks fine to me but i'm no gunsmith. Is there anything particular i should inspect? I would like to take it to a gunsmith but i don't know if i have the funds

 

[Skidood]

I was kind of curious about the same sort of thing. I have my great-grandfathers Winchester 1897 12ga from 1910. The barrrel on it seems to be a lot heavier than on modern shotguns. The only thing I could find suggested to only use lead shot. I've put about 150 rounds through it so far with no ill affects, mostly at the trap range.

 

[drill702]

Not recommending you do this but , I would strap it down and test fire it with a box of the heaviest 2 3/4 while I am safely behind my truck.

 

[Buckiller]

i would think that reloading would be the safest option?

 

[Tex Critter]

Check the gun out for some proof marks on it. They will usually lead to info on strength. Also, shot shells are inherently low pressure anyway. Standard shells should be good to go unless its a damascus barrel.

 

[thepolinator]

I doubt that reloading in your case is the best or safest option, unless you are already set up know who exactly what you are doing.

 

[tokguy]

It's plenty strong. Got one like it, kicks...ooh.
It's seen lots of standard load shells, likely ought to steer clear of one's labeled as magnum though...just saying.

 

[Mike Webb]

Stick to low brass, lead 2 3/4 inch and you should be fine.

 

[mooncoon]

I think the usual risk with old shotguns is not the strength of the barrel (as long as it is not deeply pitted) but the strength of the receiver. I also would not shoot the heaviest available shells in it to test it because potentially that stretches or loosens and otherwise good action. I think the main thing to look for is to check that the barrel is tight to the action when closed and that the barrel is not deeply pitted. The reason to avoid steel shells is that the gun probably has a shorter forcing cone and tighter and shorter choke than is used with steel shot, as well as, I think, steel shells are loaded to a higher pressure. I suspect that moderate loads intended for trap shooting would be safe, especially since you have already fired a couple of them in the gun

cheers mooncoon

 

[Buckiller]

1.Is there a grade of ammo that would have less pressure? (I guess that would be lead and brass?)

2. Could i shoot slugs or buck out of it? (it has no choke)

Thanks for the replies guys

 

[tokguy]

1.Is there a grade of ammo that would have less pressure?

2. Could i shoot slugs or buck out of it? (it has no choke)

Thanks for the replies guys

Slugs and buck, yes you can, some folks will say otherwise. Stay with standard loadings, they are designed for a wide range of shotguns. Stay away from specialty stuff and you should be fine.