Shotgun Hunting Laws

Falcon1547

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I had an old Stevens Model 820 B 12 gauge pump shotgun given to me. It is over 50 years old, but in great condition. My question is, is it legal for hunting? It isn't too short or anything, but it can hold more than two shells in the magazine.
 
Falcon1547, hunting laws vary by province. You should look up your local laws. Depending where you live, you may be able to use your shotgun as is for hunting varmints, rabbits, etc. as is. Federal law prohibits hunting any migratory game bird in Canada with a shotgun that holds more than three shells. As mentioned., a plug in the magazine takes care of that.
 
What is reccomended for hunting with a 12 gauge? In my province it is legal for everything up to deer but I'm not sure exactly what mine is capable of. It doesn't have proper sights, just a bead, so I think that takes any precision shooting with a slug out of the equation. What about for rabbits or grouse? I have a .22 as well but I'm not sure what is the better choice.
 
Any 12 ga is just as capable as another. The limiting factor is the shooter. Many will argue but a old cooey is just as capable at killing game as a Beretta or Perazzi. Might not be as pretty or handle as well but at the end of the day they're just a smooth tube that the wad and lead get pushed down
Now things like choke effect the pattern. Barrel length effects swing as does weight. A bead sight limits precise shooting if you choose to use slugs. For small game and aerial targets you don't aim a shotgun you point at the target or where that target is going to be
Now if you want to hunt ducks geese or doves you need non toxic shot. Some of these non toxic loads are bad for tight chokes.
The best option is to measure the choke and make sure the gun points where you're looking. If the gun fits you it should pattern on whatever you're looking at when you shoulder it. With shot size matched to your intended purpose rabbits squirrel grouse crow fox coyote can all be taken. With non toxic loads All migratory birds legal to hunt can be taken. Woodcock lead can be used. With buck shot or slugs big game can be taken if legal where you hunt. You won't have the precision or range of a rifle but a 12 ga will cleanly kill the biggest of moose if you put an ounce of lead thru his lungs
A wooden dowel in the mag so it only holds 2 shells makes it legal for hunting
Many old and vintage shotguns still see field use and that's a good thing
 
Do you have multiple chokes? Does your gun take chokes? That may be a deciding factor in ammo choices. Also if you use slugs and its not a rifled barrel you need rifled slugs. Some things to think about before you start shooting whatever

The gun was produced probally in the late 40's to early 50's since I think they stopped making them in 1954
He would not have any tubes unless someone fitted thin walls which they normally didnot do in these guns
Probally a full choke standard 2 3/4" which is OK for lead shot and hunting along with clays and trap but not much good for any skeet or waterfowling
Also not a gun you want to put any money into since they are not worth a lot like maybe $125 in excellent condition and don't have a big following
He may have got lucky and the gun was factory fitted with an adjustable poly choke style they put on some of these.
Then he could pretty much shoot the other sports also with a twist of the choke
Cheers
 
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My first repeating shotgun was an 820B. Had the adjustable choke. Worked well.
Easy enough to drop a dowel in the magazine tube if necessary.
 
Is it true that steel shot will damage the barrel of older shotguns? Also is buck shot and slugs ok in a full choke gun? I have a 70's 1100 magnum and I'm not sure what I can really use it for. It's no good for light loads and from what I've been told it's no good for steel shot either.
 
1100 have thin barrels. It's not recommended to fire steel thru a full choke because there is no give to the steel and it may bulge the barrel leaving a ring before the choke. I've seen it happen. It's ugly but the guy keeps using the gun. I haven't hunted beside him since
The choke can be opened up to safely take steel
 
Is it true that steel shot will damage the barrel of older shotguns? Also is buck shot and slugs ok in a full choke gun? I have a 70's 1100 magnum and I'm not sure what I can really use it for. It's no good for light loads and from what I've been told it's no good for steel shot either.

Pick up a 2 3/4" only barrel for the 1100 and it will work great with the lightest of loads. The 2 3/4 barrels have 2 gas ports , 3" barrels have 1 gas port. YOUR 3" BARREL SHOULD WORK FINE WITH HEAVY 2 3/4" LOADS AS WELL AS 3" . But still not good with steel shot .For steel you want a barrel with REMCHOKES, OR ONE BORED IC /SKEET .Remington says a Mod barrel can use steel #2 and smaller.
 
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