Any indication on the gun as to location of manufacture? Choices are Norwich or Chicopee? Shell length is measured with the crimp unfolded. So a 2 9/16" chamber (usually what a short 16ga chamber measures) will let a loaded 2 3/4" shell close in the gun. The more important issue is the gun's intended service pressure. Guns from 1920s were mostly designed for the older service loads which were less than the modern 11,500 psi average of current SAAMI standards. I wouldn't use current loads in a 1920 or earlier gun, especially if you want the gun to last. On the other hand this is only a $200 gun at most so if it shoots loose no large loss. Pressures of steel shot aren't any different but the steel shot will tend to score the barrel if it makes contact and will tend to open the chokes if tighter than modified with possible rings at the choke area. You aren't likely to have a disastrous failure if you do shoot current factory ammo, just more rapid deterioration than with proper ammo. Is it safe? Shoot it with 2 1/2" shells or reloads with lower pressures and it should last quite well
Last edited by Jerry V Lape; 11/07/06 02:36 PM.
