slugs with a Win model 12

[okanagan hiker]

Hi all...


Are there any issues with using 2 and 3/4 slugs ( Foster type such as Federal Powershok or my preference Remington Managed recoil Buckhammer ) in an older Winchester 12 gauge 1912 ( model 12 )?

Can I just safely use any modern 12 gauge 2 3/4 shells / slugs?

I have Googled this but havent got any firm data on this.

I did read that some of the very early 1912's were chambered for 2 and 5/8 12 gauge shells.

Thanks,
OKH

 

[tjhaile]

It should be fine if the gun is in good working order and does not have a 2-5/8" chamber. If you don't know the chamber length, have a gunsmith do a chamber cast and measure it.

 

[Quaid]

Can I just safely use any modern 12 gauge 2 3/4 shells / slugs?

NO. 2 5/8 issue aside, you're going to be shooting out of a smooth bore barrel. Ideally you'll want a C or IC choke at the end. Too tight of a choke can cause problems. You'll be shooting foster-type, brenneke, or full bore slugs.

You will not be shooting sabot slugs. Sabot slugs are designed for engaging the rifling of a rifled barrel or a rifled choke tube. The newest, high performance slugs are very fast and do not perform well in rifled choke tubes. Older design, slower sabot slugs are your best bet with rifled choke tubes (1400 fps and under).

 

[tjhaile]

The only chokes that aren't safe for slugs are extra-full "turkey" chokes that didn't exist when your Model 12 was built. Slugs are normally designed to be able to be safely fired through choked barrels unless the manufacturer warns against it. The rifling grooves on a Foster or Brenneke slug are actually intended to collapse if needed so that the slug can pass through a choke.

Improved Cylinder choke usually gives best accuracy with Foster and Brenneke type slugs, or any other front-heavy, drag stabilized design.